An individual who laced treats with tranquilliser and gave them to minors at a youth camp in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual crimes against two young males who were between nine and ten.
The accused was arrested after eight youngsters and one adult experienced illness at the facility in July.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at the courthouse on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he denied one particular crime he was facing, which was involving a young boy.
The accused was remanded in custody before a further hearing on late November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, outlined the criminal behavior to the court.
She explained his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer program which he ran.
The man conducted a "treat game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel said, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and request they to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She told the court the defendant had played this game with the children "for many years", and children had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She explained the man had been able to explain this for many years as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had suspicions in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "This year his stepchild had concerns about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They decided to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel stated materials including infant oil, Vaseline and medical needles were found, and his stepchild alerted the police about his suspicions.
She explained the man proceeded to engage in the "candy game" with six youngsters that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that point," she added.
The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was examining law enforcement's management of the situation.
The legal representative explained the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson contacted the police once more.
She stated Ruben then played the "candy game" in a area of five youngsters.
