A man who contaminated candy with sedative and gave them to youngsters at a summer camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two boys who were between nine and ten.
The accused was taken into custody after eight youngsters and one adult experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the courthouse on Friday.
Yet, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was kept in jail prior to a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, outlined the criminal behavior to the court.
She stated his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a summer camp which he managed.
The defendant conducted a "treat game" with the minors, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and request they to ingest treats "rapidly".
She told the court the man had conducted this practice with the boys "repeatedly", and minors had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She said the man had been able to explain this over a long period as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had concerns in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "This year his stepchild had concerns about the activities, for good reason.
"They chose" to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC stated objects including infant oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were located, and his family member contacted the police about his suspicions.
She stated the defendant continued to conduct the "sweet game" with six boys that evening - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that stage," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, had stated that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
The legal representative said the minors were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so the family member contacted the police a second time.
She explained the man then engaged in the "treat game" in a area of five children.
