A person who laced sweets with tranquilliser and gave them to children at a youth camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offences against two children who were between nine and ten.
The accused was taken into custody after eight children and an older person became sick at the location in July.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Yet, he refused to admit one particular crime he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was remanded in custody before a subsequent court date on late November.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, outlined the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She said his victims were under-privileged children who were participating in a youth camp which he ran.
The man engaged in a "treat game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor stated, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and request they to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the man had played this game with the children "repeatedly", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She explained the defendant had been capable of justifying this for many years as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had worries in summer 2025.
The legal representative added: "Recently" his stepson had suspicions about the situation, with valid cause.
"They decided to investigate in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel stated materials including baby oil, ointment and syringes were located, and his stepchild alerted the authorities about his suspicions.
She stated the defendant proceeded to conduct the "sweet game" with six boys that night - that Saturday - 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 examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
The prosecutor stated the minors were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson contacted the authorities once more.
She said the man then conducted the "candy game" in a area of five children.
