A person who laced treats with tranquilliser and distributed them to children at a youth camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two young males who were nine and ten years old.
The defendant was detained after eight minors and a grown-up became sick at the location in July.
The senior citizen, from that region, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he stood at the courthouse on recently.
Nevertheless, he denied one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was remanded in custody before a additional proceeding on late November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, described the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She said his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a youth camp which he managed.
The man played a "treat game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel explained, in which he would go into the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and request they to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge the man had played this game with the boys "over an extended period", and minors had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She explained the defendant had been capable of justifying this repeatedly as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had suspicions in July 2025.
The legal representative added: "Recently" his stepchild had concerns about the situation, justifiably.
"They chose" to have a look in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC stated materials including baby oil, ointment and syringes were found, and his stepson alerted the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She said Ruben proceeded to conduct the "sweet game" with six children that night - July 26th - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"The police had not responded by that stage," she stated further.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
The prosecutor stated the children were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson contacted the police once more.
She stated Ruben then played the "treat game" in a space of five youngsters.
