An individual who contaminated treats with sedative and gave them to youngsters at a summer program in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual offenses against two children both between nine and ten.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight children and one adult fell ill at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at the judicial center on recently.
Nevertheless, he denied a single sexual charge he was facing, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was kept in jail before a further hearing on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, described the defendant's actions to the court.
She explained his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a youth camp which he managed.
Ruben played a "candy game" with the children, the legal counsel stated, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge Ruben had engaged in this activity with the boys "repeatedly", and minors had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She explained the man had been capable of justifying this for many years as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had concerns in July 2025.
The legal representative added: "This year his stepchild had suspicions about the situation, justifiably.
"They decided to have a look in the individual's items."
The legal counsel said materials including infant oil, petroleum jelly and syringes were located, and his stepson contacted the police about his worries.
She explained the man proceeded to play the "treat game" with six youngsters that night - that Saturday - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"The police had not gone out by that time," she stated further.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, previously told that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
The legal representative said the minors were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the stepson called the police again.
She stated the defendant then played the "candy game" in a area of five minors.
