A person who spiked sweets with tranquilliser and distributed them to youngsters at a summer camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two boys aged nine and ten years old.
The accused was taken into custody after eight youngsters and an older person became sick at the location in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from that region, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he stood at the courthouse on Friday.
Nevertheless, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was concerning a young boy.
The defendant was held in detention before a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, outlined the defendant's actions to the court.
She explained his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a youth camp which he operated.
The man conducted a "candy game" with the minors, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would go into the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and ask them to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She told the court the man had played this game with the children "for many years", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She stated the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had worries in summer 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "This year his family member had worries about the situation, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to examine in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel explained items including baby oil, petroleum jelly and syringes were found, and his stepson alerted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She explained Ruben proceeded to play the "candy game" with six children that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that time," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was investigating the police response of the situation.
The prosecutor stated the minors were struggling to walk due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson called the authorities again.
She said the defendant then engaged in the "candy game" in a area of five children.
