A man who spiked treats with tranquilliser and gave them to youngsters at a summer program in Leicestershire has admitted sexual crimes against two children aged between nine and ten.
The accused was detained after eight youngsters and a grown-up experienced illness at the facility in mid-summer.
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.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was facing, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was held in detention before a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, detailed Ruben's offending to the court.
She explained his targets were under-privileged children who were participating in a youth camp which he operated.
The defendant engaged in a "treat game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel said, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge the man had played this game with the young males "repeatedly", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She explained the man had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had worries in summer 2025.
The legal representative continued: "Recently" his family member had suspicions about the situation, justifiably.
"They decided to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel said items including lubricant, petroleum jelly and syringes were located, and his stepchild alerted the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She stated the man continued to engage in the "candy game" with six boys that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"The police had not responded by that point," she continued.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was examining law enforcement's management of the events.
The prosecutor explained the minors were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the stepson contacted the law enforcement once more.
She stated the man then played the "sweet game" in a space of five youngsters.
