A person who laced treats with sedative and provided them to children at a summer camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offences against two children aged nine and 10.
The accused was arrested after eight minors and an older person fell ill at Stathern Lodge in July.
The 76-year-old, from that region, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the courthouse on Friday.
Nevertheless, he disputed a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was against a young boy.
The accused was held in detention before a further hearing on late November.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, detailed Ruben's offending to the court.
She said his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer camp which he managed.
The man engaged in a "treat game" with the minors, the legal counsel stated, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the defendant had played this game with the children "repeatedly", and youngsters had previously become sick the following morning.
She said the man had been able to explain this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had concerns in July 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "In the summer" his stepson had worries about the situation, for good reason.
"They resolved" to have a look in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC explained materials including lubricant, ointment and medical needles were discovered, and his stepson alerted the police about his concerns.
She explained the man went on to engage in the "sweet game" with six children that time - July 26th - and they were all ill the next day.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that stage," she continued.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
Mrs Prior explained the minors were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the stepson called the law enforcement a second time.
She stated Ruben then engaged in the "candy game" in a space of five children.
