An individual who spiked treats with sedative and gave them to children at a summer camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two boys who were nine and ten years old.
The defendant was detained after eight minors and an older person experienced illness at the facility in the summer month.
The elderly man, from that region, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
However, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was held in detention prior to a further hearing on late November.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, detailed the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She stated his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer program which he ran.
The man engaged in a "treat game" with the children, Mrs Prior said, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and request they to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had engaged in this activity with the children "over an extended period", and minors had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She said the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had concerns in summer 2025.
The legal representative continued: "In the summer" his family member had concerns about the situation, justifiably.
"They resolved" to examine in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC explained objects including lubricant, ointment and medical needles were located, and his stepchild notified the police about his suspicions.
She explained the defendant went on to conduct the "sweet game" with six children that evening - July 26th - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that stage," she added.
The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the events.
The legal representative explained the minors were struggling to walk due to their condition, so the stepson called the law enforcement again.
She explained the man then played the "sweet game" in a area of five youngsters.
