A man who contaminated sweets with tranquilliser and provided them to minors at a youth camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two young males both nine and 10.
The accused was taken into custody after eight minors and a grown-up experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at the courthouse on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was involving a young boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody before a additional proceeding on late November.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, handling the case, described the defendant's actions to the court.
She stated his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer program which he ran.
The defendant conducted a "sweet game" with the minors, the prosecutor stated, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the man had engaged in this activity with the boys "for many years", and minors had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She said the man had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had concerns in July 2025.
The legal representative added: "This year his family member had worries about the activities, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to investigate in the individual's items."
The prosecutor explained items including infant oil, petroleum jelly and injection devices were located, and his family member contacted the police about his concerns.
She said the defendant continued to conduct the "sweet game" with six boys that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that stage," she added.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was investigating the police response of the events.
The prosecutor stated the youngsters were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so the stepson notified the authorities again.
She said the defendant then played the "sweet game" in a room of five youngsters.
