A man who contaminated candy with sedative and distributed them to children at a youth camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two children who were nine and ten years old.
The defendant was detained after eight youngsters and a grown-up experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from that region, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he stood at the courthouse on Friday.
Yet, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was concerning a young boy.
The defendant was held in detention ahead of a further hearing on late November.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, described Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She stated his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a summer program which he operated.
The defendant conducted a "candy game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel explained, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and ask them to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had played this game with the children "over an extended period", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She said the defendant had been capable of justifying this repeatedly as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had suspicions in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "This year his stepchild had worries about what was going on, justifiably.
"They decided to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC explained items including baby oil, ointment and medical needles were located, and his stepson notified the police about his worries.
She stated the defendant proceeded to conduct the "candy game" with six children that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that time," she added.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, had stated that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the situation.
Mrs Prior explained the minors were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the family member notified the authorities once more.
She explained the man then conducted the "sweet game" in a area of five youngsters.
