An individual who laced sweets with sedative and distributed them to children at a youth camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offenses against two boys aged nine and ten years old.
The defendant was detained after eight youngsters and a grown-up fell ill at the location in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from that region, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he stood at the judicial center on recently.
However, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
The accused was held in detention prior to a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, detailed the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She said his those affected were under-privileged children who were participating in a youth camp which he managed.
The man played a "treat game" with the children, Mrs Prior said, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and request they to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She told the court Ruben had conducted this practice with the young males "for many years", and children had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She said Ruben had been able to explain this for many years as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had worries in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "Recently" his family member had concerns about the activities, with valid cause.
"They chose" to investigate in the individual's items."
The legal counsel stated items including infant oil, petroleum jelly and injection devices were located, and his stepson notified the authorities about his worries.
She explained the man continued to engage in the "candy game" with six boys that night - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that time," she continued.
The oversight body, the investigative body, previously told that it was investigating the police response of the situation.
The legal representative stated the children were struggling to walk due to their condition, so the family member notified the police a second time.
She explained Ruben then engaged in the "candy game" in a room of five minors.
