A person who spiked candy with tranquilliser and gave them to minors at a summer camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two young males who were between nine and ten.
The accused was detained after eight children and one adult became sick at the location in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from that region, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the judicial center on Friday.
Nevertheless, he denied a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was against a young boy.
The defendant was kept in jail ahead of a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, outlined the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She said his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a summer camp which he ran.
The man played a "candy game" with the children, the legal counsel stated, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and tell them to consume candy "rapidly".
She stated to the judge the man had played this game with the children "for many years", and minors had previously become sick the following morning.
She said the defendant had been capable of justifying this for many years as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had concerns in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "Recently" his stepchild had worries about the situation, justifiably.
"They decided to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor said materials including infant oil, ointment and medical needles were discovered, and his family member notified the law enforcement about his worries.
She stated the man proceeded to conduct the "sweet game" with six youngsters that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the following morning.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that point," she added.
The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was reviewing the police response of the incident.
Mrs Prior stated the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson notified the authorities once more.
She stated the man then engaged in the "treat game" in a room of five minors.
