An individual who contaminated sweets with sleeping medication and provided them to minors at a summer program in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two boys aged between nine and ten.
The accused was taken into custody after eight children and an older person experienced illness at the location in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the courthouse on Friday.
However, he disputed a single sexual charge he was facing, which was concerning a young boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody before a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, outlined the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She stated his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a youth camp which he ran.
The defendant engaged in a "sweet game" with the children, the prosecutor explained, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and request they to eat sweets "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had engaged in this activity with the children "repeatedly", and minors had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She explained Ruben had been able to explain this for many years as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had concerns in summer 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "Recently" his family member had worries about the activities, justifiably.
"They decided to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC explained objects including infant oil, ointment and medical needles were located, and his stepson alerted the police about his suspicions.
She stated the defendant went on to play the "sweet game" with six youngsters that evening - July 26th - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"The police had not gone out by that time," she continued.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
The prosecutor explained the minors were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson notified the authorities a second time.
She explained the man then conducted the "sweet game" in a room of five minors.
