A person who laced treats with tranquilliser and provided them to children at a youth camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two boys aged nine and ten years old.
The defendant was detained after eight minors and one adult experienced illness at the facility in the summer month.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
Yet, he denied one particular crime he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was remanded in custody ahead of a additional proceeding on late November.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, outlined Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She stated his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer program which he managed.
The defendant conducted a "sweet game" with the children, Mrs Prior said, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to consume candy "rapidly".
She told the court the defendant had conducted this practice with the young males "for many years", and children had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She said the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had concerns in summer 2025.
The legal representative added: "Recently" his stepson had suspicions about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor said materials including baby oil, ointment and syringes were discovered, and his family member alerted the police about his concerns.
She stated the man proceeded to conduct the "candy game" with six boys that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the next day.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that point," she stated further.
The oversight body, the investigative body, had stated that it was reviewing the police response of the events.
The prosecutor explained the children were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson notified the law enforcement once more.
She explained the man then engaged in the "candy game" in a area of five minors.
