A person who contaminated candy with tranquilliser and distributed them to minors at a summer program in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual crimes against two young males both nine and 10.
The defendant was detained after eight children and an older person experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the judicial center on Friday.
However, he denied a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was involving a young boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody prior to a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, described the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She said his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer program which he managed.
The defendant played a "candy game" with the minors, the legal counsel stated, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and request they to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge the defendant had engaged in this activity with the boys "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously become sick the next day.
She stated the man had been able to explain this repeatedly as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had suspicions in summer 2025.
The legal representative added: "This year his stepson had worries about the situation, with valid cause.
"They decided to have a look in the individual's items."
The prosecutor stated items including infant oil, Vaseline and syringes were located, and his family member notified the law enforcement about his concerns.
She stated Ruben proceeded to play the "treat game" with six boys that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"The police had not arrived by that point," she stated further.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, previously told that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the situation.
Mrs Prior stated the minors were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson contacted the authorities once more.
She said Ruben then engaged in the "sweet game" in a area of five minors.
