A man who laced treats with sleeping medication and distributed them to youngsters at a summer camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two boys who were nine and 10.
The accused was detained after eight youngsters and an older person fell ill at Stathern Lodge in July.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at the judicial center on the end of the week.
However, he disputed a single sexual charge he was facing, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was remanded in custody prior to a further hearing on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, described Ruben's offending to the court.
She explained his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer camp which he operated.
Ruben engaged in a "treat game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor said, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were settling down and tell them to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the defendant had conducted this practice with the boys "repeatedly", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She said the defendant had been able to explain this for many years as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had suspicions in summer 2025.
The legal representative added: "In the summer" his stepchild had worries about the situation, for good reason.
"They decided to have a look in the individual's items."
The legal counsel explained objects including lubricant, ointment and medical needles were found, and his family member notified the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She explained the man continued to conduct the "treat game" with six children that evening - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that time," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
Mrs Prior stated the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the stepson called the police again.
She stated the defendant then played the "sweet game" in a area of five youngsters.
