A man who contaminated candy with sedative and provided them to youngsters at a youth camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two boys who were nine and 10.
The accused was detained after eight children and a grown-up became sick at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from that region, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he stood at the judicial center on Friday.
Yet, he denied a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
The accused was remanded in custody before a further hearing on November 28th.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, described the criminal behavior to the court.
She stated his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer camp which he ran.
The defendant played a "candy game" with the minors, the legal counsel said, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She told the court the man had conducted this practice with the children "over an extended period", and children had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She explained the defendant had been able to explain this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had suspicions in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "This year his stepson had suspicions about the situation, for good reason.
"They decided to investigate in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC said materials including infant oil, Vaseline and syringes were found, and his stepchild alerted the authorities about his concerns.
She explained the man proceeded to play the "sweet game" with six youngsters that night - that Saturday - and they were all sick the following morning.
"The police had not arrived by that time," she continued.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
The prosecutor explained the minors were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson called the authorities once more.
She explained the defendant then played the "candy game" in a space of five youngsters.
