A person who laced candy with tranquilliser and distributed them to youngsters at a youth camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offenses against two boys who were nine and 10.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight minors and an older person experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in July.
The elderly man, from that region, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Nevertheless, he denied one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was held in detention ahead of a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, detailed Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She stated his victims were under-privileged children who were participating in a summer camp which he ran.
The defendant conducted a "treat game" with the minors, the legal counsel stated, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and tell them to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She told the court the defendant had played this game with the young males "over an extended period", and minors had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She said the defendant had been able to explain this for many years as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had concerns in July 2025.
The legal representative added: "Recently" his family member had suspicions about the activities, with valid cause.
"They decided to investigate in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC said items including infant oil, ointment and syringes were found, and his stepson notified the law enforcement about his concerns.
She said the defendant continued to play the "sweet game" with six children that night - July 26th - and they were all ill the following morning.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that stage," she continued.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
The legal representative said the children were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson notified the police a second time.
She said the man then engaged in the "treat game" in a space of five youngsters.
