A man who contaminated sweets with sedative and distributed them to children at a youth camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offences against two young males who were nine and ten years old.
The defendant was detained after eight youngsters and one adult became sick at the facility in July.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
However, he denied a single sexual charge he was facing, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was remanded in custody ahead of a subsequent court date on late November.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, described the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She explained his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a youth camp which he managed.
The man engaged in a "sweet game" with the minors, the legal counsel said, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to eat sweets "rapidly".
She told the court the defendant had conducted this practice with the boys "for many years", and children had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She stated the defendant had been able to explain this for many years as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had worries in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "Recently" his family member had worries about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to examine in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC said materials including baby oil, petroleum jelly and syringes were discovered, and his stepchild contacted the authorities about his concerns.
She explained Ruben went on to engage in the "treat game" with six youngsters that evening - that Saturday - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that time," she added.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the incident.
The legal representative stated the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the stepson called the authorities again.
She stated the man then engaged in the "candy game" in a area of five children.
