A person who laced candy with sedative and gave them to children at a summer camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offences against two boys aged between nine and ten.
The accused was arrested after eight minors and a grown-up became sick at the facility in July.
The 76-year-old, from that region, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at the judicial center on Friday.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit one particular crime he was facing, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was held in detention before a subsequent court date on late November.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, detailed the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She said his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a summer camp which he ran.
The defendant engaged in a "sweet game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She told the court the man had conducted this practice with the young males "repeatedly", and children had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She explained the man had been able to explain this over a long period as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had worries in summer 2025.
The legal representative continued: "This year his stepson had worries about the activities, with valid cause.
"They decided to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel said items including infant oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were located, and his stepson notified the law enforcement about his worries.
She explained the defendant proceeded to conduct the "candy game" with six youngsters that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that time," she stated further.
The oversight body, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
Mrs Prior explained the youngsters were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson contacted the law enforcement again.
She said Ruben then engaged in the "treat game" in a room of five minors.
