An individual who contaminated sweets with sedative and distributed them to youngsters at a youth camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two boys who were between nine and ten.
The defendant was arrested after eight minors and one adult became sick at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the courthouse on the end of the week.
Yet, he refused to admit one particular crime he was accused of, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was remanded in custody prior to a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, described the defendant's actions to the court.
She said his targets were under-privileged children who were attending a summer camp which he managed.
The defendant conducted a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel stated, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and request they to consume candy "rapidly".
She told the court the defendant had conducted this practice with the boys "repeatedly", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the next day.
She said Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had concerns in July 2025.
The legal representative added: "Recently" his family member had worries about the situation, for good reason.
"They chose" to investigate in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor explained items including infant oil, petroleum jelly and syringes were located, and his stepson contacted the law enforcement about his worries.
She explained the man proceeded to play the "candy game" with six youngsters that evening - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"The police had not responded by that point," she added.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
Mrs Prior stated the children were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the stepson notified the authorities again.
She said the defendant then played the "sweet game" in a space of five children.
