An individual who spiked treats with sedative and distributed them to children at a summer camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two boys who were between nine and ten.
The defendant was detained after eight children and an older person fell ill at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
Yet, he denied one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was remanded in custody prior to a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, described the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She explained his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a youth camp which he ran.
The defendant played a "sweet game" with the minors, the prosecutor said, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She told the court Ruben had played this game with the young males "repeatedly", and children had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She explained Ruben had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had suspicions in summer 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "In the summer" his family member had worries about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They chose" to examine in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor stated objects including infant oil, Vaseline and medical needles were discovered, and his stepchild contacted the authorities about his concerns.
She explained Ruben continued to engage in the "candy game" with six boys that time - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that point," she added.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, had stated that it was reviewing the police response of the situation.
Mrs Prior explained the children were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson contacted the police a second time.
She said the defendant then conducted the "candy game" in a room of five youngsters.
