A man who contaminated sweets with sleeping medication and gave them to minors at a summer program in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two boys who were between nine and ten.
The defendant was detained after eight minors and an older person experienced illness at the location in the summer month.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at the courthouse on the end of the week.
Yet, he disputed one particular crime he was accused of, which was against a young boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody ahead of a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, described Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She stated his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a youth camp which he ran.
Ruben engaged in a "candy game" with the children, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and request they to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had conducted this practice with the young males "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously become sick the next day.
She said Ruben had been able to explain this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had concerns in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "This year his stepchild had suspicions about the activities, for good reason.
"They decided to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel stated materials including lubricant, Vaseline and medical needles were located, and his stepchild contacted the authorities about his worries.
She explained the man went on to conduct the "candy game" with six boys that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Authorities" had not responded by that stage," she continued.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, had stated that it was investigating the police response of the events.
Mrs Prior explained the children were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the stepson called the authorities once more.
She said Ruben then played the "treat game" in a area of five children.
