A man who contaminated candy with tranquilliser and distributed them to youngsters at a youth camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two young males aged between nine and ten.
The defendant was arrested after eight minors and a grown-up fell ill at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was involving a young boy.
Ruben was kept in jail prior to a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, described the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She said his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer program which he ran.
The defendant engaged in a "candy game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior said, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to consume candy "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings the man had played this game with the young males "for many years", and children had previously fallen ill the next day.
She explained the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had concerns in summer 2025.
The legal representative continued: "Recently" his stepson had concerns about the situation, for good reason.
"They decided to investigate in the individual's items."
The legal counsel said materials including baby oil, petroleum jelly and syringes were located, and his family member alerted the police about his concerns.
She explained the man went on to conduct the "treat game" with six children that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"The police had not responded by that point," she added.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, previously told that it was examining the police response of the situation.
The legal representative explained the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so the stepson notified the authorities a second time.
She said the defendant then conducted the "sweet game" in a room of five youngsters.
