A person who contaminated treats with sleeping medication and gave them to youngsters at a youth camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offenses against two boys both nine and 10.
The accused was arrested after eight minors and a grown-up became sick at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
However, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was kept in jail before a additional proceeding on late November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, outlined the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She explained his those affected were under-privileged children who were attending a youth camp which he ran.
The defendant engaged in a "treat game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor explained, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge the man had engaged in this activity with the young males "repeatedly", and minors had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She explained the defendant had been able to explain this over a long period as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had suspicions in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "In the summer" his stepson had concerns about the situation, for good reason.
"They decided to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor said items including lubricant, Vaseline and injection devices were located, and his stepchild alerted the police about his suspicions.
She explained the defendant continued to conduct the "treat game" with six children that night - July 26th - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that point," she added.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, earlier informed 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 sickness, so Ruben's stepson notified the police a second time.
She stated the defendant then conducted the "candy game" in a space of five children.
