An individual who laced candy with sedative and distributed them to youngsters at a youth camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offences against two young males both nine and ten years old.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight children and a grown-up fell ill at the facility in July.
The senior citizen, from that region, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
However, he disputed a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was concerning a young boy.
The accused was held in detention ahead of a further hearing on late November.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, detailed Ruben's offending to the court.
She stated his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a youth camp which he ran.
The defendant engaged in a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor explained, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to ingest treats "rapidly".
She stated to the judge the defendant had engaged in this activity with the boys "repeatedly", and children had previously fallen ill the next day.
She stated the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had suspicions in summer 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "In the summer" his family member had worries about the situation, for good reason.
"They resolved" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel stated items including baby oil, Vaseline and syringes were found, and his stepchild notified the law enforcement about his worries.
She explained Ruben went on to play the "sweet game" with six youngsters that time - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that time," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, previously told that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
The legal representative stated the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the stepson contacted the police again.
She said the defendant then played the "sweet game" in a space of five minors.
