An individual who laced treats with sleeping medication and gave them to youngsters at a youth camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two boys both between nine and ten.
The defendant was arrested after eight minors and an older person fell ill at the location in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from that region, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he was present at the judicial center on Friday.
Nevertheless, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was remanded in custody ahead of a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, handling the case, detailed the defendant's actions to the court.
She stated his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a summer program which he operated.
The defendant played a "candy game" with the minors, the prosecutor explained, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the defendant had played this game with the children "over an extended period", and minors had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She said the man had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had concerns in summer 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "This year his stepson had concerns about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They decided to investigate in the individual's items."
The prosecutor said materials including baby oil, Vaseline and medical needles were discovered, and his family member contacted the police about his concerns.
She explained Ruben proceeded to play the "treat game" with six boys that evening - that Saturday - and they were all sick the next day.
"The police had not arrived by that point," she added.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, had stated that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the incident.
Mrs Prior stated the youngsters were struggling to walk due to being ill, so the stepson notified the law enforcement once more.
She explained the defendant then conducted the "treat game" in a space of five youngsters.
