A man who contaminated treats with sedative and gave them to youngsters at a youth camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offences against two young males who were nine and ten years old.
The defendant was detained after eight children and a grown-up became sick at Stathern Lodge in July.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he denied one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was against a young boy.
The accused was held in detention prior to a further hearing on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, described the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She said his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a youth camp which he ran.
The defendant conducted a "treat game" with the minors, the prosecutor said, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and ask them to ingest treats "rapidly".
She stated to the judge the man had engaged in this activity with the young males "for many years", and children had previously fallen ill the next day.
She stated the defendant had been able to explain this repeatedly as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had suspicions in July 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "Recently" his family member had suspicions about the situation, justifiably.
"They chose" to have a look in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC explained materials including lubricant, Vaseline and medical needles were found, and his family member alerted the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She explained the defendant continued to play the "treat game" with six boys that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the following morning.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that point," she continued.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was investigating the police response of the situation.
The legal representative explained the children were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson notified the authorities once more.
She said the defendant then conducted the "sweet game" in a area of five minors.
