A person who spiked candy with tranquilliser and provided them to minors at a youth camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offences against two boys who were between nine and ten.
The accused was arrested after eight minors and one adult became sick at the facility in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from that region, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Yet, he disputed a single sexual charge he was facing, which was against a young boy.
The accused was remanded in custody prior to a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, described the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She explained his those affected were under-privileged children who were attending a summer camp which he operated.
The defendant played a "candy game" with the minors, the prosecutor said, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were settling down and request they to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She told the court the defendant had engaged in this activity with the children "for many years", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the next day.
She stated the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had suspicions in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "Recently" his stepson had suspicions about what was going on, for good reason.
"They decided to examine in the individual's items."
The legal counsel said objects including infant oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were discovered, and his family member contacted the authorities about his concerns.
She said the man went on to play the "candy game" with six children that evening - July 26th - and they were all sick the following morning.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that stage," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was investigating the police response of the situation.
Mrs Prior explained the minors were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson called the law enforcement a second time.
She stated the defendant then engaged in the "treat game" in a area of five children.