A person who laced treats with tranquilliser and gave them to minors at a youth camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two young males both nine and ten years old.
The defendant was detained after eight youngsters and one adult became sick at Stathern Lodge in July.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was kept in jail prior to a further hearing on November 28th.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, detailed the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She said his those affected were under-privileged children who were participating in a youth camp which he managed.
Ruben conducted a "treat game" with the minors, the legal counsel stated, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had engaged in this activity with the children "repeatedly", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She stated the man had been capable of justifying this for many years as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had worries in July 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "In the summer" his family member had worries about what was going on, justifiably.
"They decided to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel explained materials including baby oil, ointment and medical needles were found, and his stepson contacted the police about his concerns.
She said the man went on to engage in the "candy game" with six boys that evening - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that point," she stated further.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, had stated that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
Mrs Prior stated the minors were struggling to walk due to being ill, so the family member notified the authorities a second time.
She explained the man then conducted the "candy game" in a space of five children.
