An individual who spiked candy with tranquilliser and distributed them to children at a summer program in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two young males aged nine and 10.
The accused was arrested after eight youngsters and an older person experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in July.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the judicial center on recently.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit one particular crime he was charged with, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was held in detention ahead of a further hearing on 28 November.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, described Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She explained his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a youth camp which he operated.
Ruben conducted a "sweet game" with the minors, the prosecutor stated, in which he would go into the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to consume candy "rapidly".
She stated to the judge the defendant had engaged in this activity with the young males "repeatedly", and children had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She stated Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had worries in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "This year his family member had suspicions about what was going on, for good reason.
"They resolved" to have a look in the individual's items."
The legal counsel said objects including infant oil, Vaseline and injection devices were located, and his stepchild contacted the authorities about his worries.
She explained the defendant went on to play the "treat game" with six boys that night - that Saturday - and they were all sick the following morning.
"The police had not gone out by that time," she added.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, had stated that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
Mrs Prior explained the children were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson contacted the authorities again.
She explained the defendant then conducted the "candy game" in a room of five minors.
