An individual who contaminated treats with tranquilliser and gave them to children at a youth camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual crimes against two young males aged nine and ten years old.
The defendant was detained after eight children and one adult experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at the courthouse on recently.
Yet, he disputed a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was kept in jail prior to a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, described Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She stated his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a summer program which he operated.
The defendant played a "candy game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior said, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge the man had conducted this practice with the young males "over an extended period", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She stated the man had been able to explain this for many years as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had worries in summer 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "Recently" his stepchild had concerns about the activities, for good reason.
"They chose" to have a look in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor stated items including baby oil, Vaseline and injection devices were located, and his family member notified the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She stated the defendant went on to conduct the "sweet game" with six children that night - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that stage," she added.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
The prosecutor explained the minors were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the family member contacted the police again.
She stated Ruben then conducted the "candy game" in a space of five youngsters.
