An individual who spiked candy with tranquilliser and provided them to youngsters at a summer camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two young males who were between nine and ten.
The defendant was detained after eight children and a grown-up fell ill at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he was present at the courthouse on the end of the week.
Yet, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was held in detention prior to a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, handling the case, detailed the criminal behavior to the court.
She stated his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a summer program which he ran.
Ruben engaged in a "treat game" with the children, the legal counsel stated, in which he would go into the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She told the court the man had engaged in this activity with the children "for many years", and children had previously become sick the next day.
She said the defendant had been able to explain this repeatedly as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had concerns in summer 2025.
The legal representative continued: "In the summer" his stepchild had concerns about the situation, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel said items including baby oil, petroleum jelly and syringes were found, and his stepson alerted the police about his suspicions.
She explained the man proceeded to play the "candy game" with six youngsters that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Authorities" had not responded by that stage," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, had stated that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
The legal representative said the children were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the family member called the authorities once more.
She said the man then played the "treat game" in a space of five children.
