A man who contaminated sweets with tranquilliser and distributed them to youngsters at a summer program in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual crimes against two boys who were nine and ten years old.
The accused was arrested after eight minors and one adult experienced illness at the facility in July.
The 76-year-old, from that region, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit one particular crime he was facing, which was involving a young boy.
Ruben was kept in jail before a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, detailed the defendant's actions to the court.
She said his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer camp which he managed.
The man engaged in a "treat game" with the minors, the legal counsel explained, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and request they to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had engaged in this activity with the young males "repeatedly", and minors had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She stated the defendant had been capable of justifying this for many years as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had concerns in July 2025.
The legal representative added: "Recently" his stepchild had suspicions about the situation, with valid cause.
"They chose" to investigate in the individual's items."
The legal counsel said objects including baby oil, ointment and syringes were located, and his stepchild notified the law enforcement about his worries.
She said the man continued to engage in the "treat game" with six children that time - July 26th - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that point," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was examining law enforcement's management of the situation.
The prosecutor explained the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the family member called the law enforcement once more.
She said the defendant then played the "treat game" in a space of five children.
