A person who contaminated candy with tranquilliser and provided them to children at a summer program in the area has confessed to sexual offences against two boys aged between nine and ten.
The defendant was detained after eight children and one adult experienced illness at the facility in July.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
Yet, he denied a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was involving a young boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody before a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, handling the case, outlined the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She said his victims were under-privileged children who were staying at a summer program which he managed.
The defendant engaged in a "candy game" with the children, the legal counsel said, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and request they to consume candy "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings the man had conducted this practice with the children "for many years", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She explained the man had been able to explain this over a long period as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had concerns in summer 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "Recently" his stepson had concerns about the situation, with valid cause.
"They decided to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC explained materials including infant oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were discovered, and his family member alerted the police about his worries.
She said Ruben went on to play the "candy game" with six boys that time - July 26th - and they were all sick the next day.
"The police had not responded by that point," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, had stated that it was investigating the police response of the events.
The legal representative stated the children were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the family member called the authorities again.
She stated Ruben then conducted the "treat game" in a space of five youngsters.
