A man who contaminated candy with sleeping medication and provided them to children at a summer camp in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual crimes against two boys who were nine and 10.
The defendant was detained after eight minors and a grown-up became sick at the facility in July.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at the judicial center on the end of the week.
Yet, he denied a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was concerning a young boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody before a subsequent court date on late November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, described the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She stated his those affected were under-privileged children who were participating in a youth camp which he managed.
The defendant conducted a "sweet game" with the minors, the prosecutor explained, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and request they to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She told the court the defendant had played this game with the children "repeatedly", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She explained the defendant had been able to explain this over a long period as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had concerns in July 2025.
The legal representative continued: "Recently" his family member had worries about the activities, for good reason.
"They chose" to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor stated items including infant oil, ointment and medical needles were found, and his family member alerted the law enforcement about his worries.
She stated the man proceeded to conduct the "candy game" with six youngsters that time - that Saturday - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that time," she continued.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was investigating the police response of the incident.
The prosecutor explained the children were struggling to walk due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson notified the law enforcement a second time.
She stated Ruben then engaged in the "treat game" in a area of five youngsters.
