An individual who laced treats with sleeping medication and distributed them to children at a summer camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two children both nine and ten years old.
The accused was taken into custody after eight children and a grown-up experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in July.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at the judicial center on recently.
Nevertheless, he disputed one particular crime he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was held in detention prior to a further hearing on November 28th.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, outlined the defendant's actions to the court.
She stated his victims were under-privileged children who were participating in a summer program which he operated.
The defendant engaged in a "sweet game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the defendant had engaged in this activity with the young males "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously become sick the following morning.
She stated the defendant had been able to explain this over a long period as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had concerns in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "This year his stepson had suspicions about the situation, justifiably.
"They chose" to investigate in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor explained materials including baby oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were found, and his stepson contacted the police about his worries.
She said the man proceeded to conduct the "treat game" with six children that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the next day.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that time," she stated further.
The oversight body, the investigative body, had stated that it was investigating the police response of the events.
The legal representative stated the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson called the police a second time.
She stated Ruben then conducted the "sweet game" in a space of five children.
