A man who contaminated candy with sleeping medication and provided them to youngsters at a summer camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two boys who were nine and ten years old.
The accused was detained after eight youngsters and a grown-up experienced illness at the facility in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he stood at the judicial center on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he denied one particular crime he was facing, which was against a young boy.
The accused was remanded in custody prior to a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, outlined the defendant's actions to the court.
She said his those affected were under-privileged children who were attending a youth camp which he managed.
The man engaged in a "treat game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings the man had played this game with the boys "for many years", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She stated the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had concerns in summer 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "Recently" his stepson had suspicions about what was going on, for good reason.
"They chose" to investigate in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor explained materials including lubricant, petroleum jelly and medical needles were discovered, and his stepchild contacted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She said the defendant continued to engage in the "sweet game" with six boys that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that time," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
The prosecutor stated the youngsters were struggling to walk due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson contacted the authorities once more.
She said the defendant then engaged in the "treat game" in a area of five minors.
