A man who contaminated candy with sleeping medication and gave them to youngsters at a summer camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offences against two boys both nine and ten years old.
The accused was detained after eight youngsters and one adult became sick at the facility in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the judicial center on Friday.
Nevertheless, he denied a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The accused was remanded in custody prior to a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, described the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She stated his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a summer program which he operated.
The man played a "treat game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and ask them to eat sweets "rapidly".
She stated to the judge the defendant had played this game with the boys "repeatedly", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She stated the man had been able to explain this over a long period as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had worries in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "Recently" his stepchild had concerns about what was going on, justifiably.
"They resolved" to examine in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC stated objects including infant oil, petroleum jelly and injection devices were located, and his family member alerted the police about his concerns.
She explained the defendant continued to play the "sweet game" with six youngsters that time - July 26th - and they were all sick the next day.
"The police had not responded by that time," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
Mrs Prior explained the children were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the stepson notified the law enforcement a second time.
She stated Ruben then conducted the "treat game" in a room of five minors.
