A man who laced sweets with tranquilliser and distributed them to children at a youth camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two boys who were between nine and ten.
The defendant was detained after eight youngsters and one adult became sick at the facility in July.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at the judicial center on the end of the week.
However, he denied a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was kept in jail before a further hearing on November 28th.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, handling the case, outlined the criminal behavior to the court.
She said his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a youth camp which he operated.
The defendant played a "treat game" with the children, Mrs Prior said, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to consume candy "rapidly".
She stated to the judge the man had engaged in this activity with the children "for many years", and children had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She explained Ruben had been capable of justifying this for many years as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had concerns in July 2025.
The legal representative added: "This year his stepchild had worries about what was going on, for good reason.
"They resolved" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor said materials including lubricant, ointment and medical needles were found, and his stepson alerted the police about his suspicions.
She stated Ruben went on to play the "candy game" with six boys that night - July 26th - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that point," she continued.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the incident.
The prosecutor explained the minors were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the family member contacted the law enforcement once more.
She said Ruben then engaged in the "treat game" in a space of five children.
