A man who laced treats with tranquilliser and provided them to children at a summer program in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two children who were nine and ten years old.
The defendant was detained after eight youngsters and an older person experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he stood at the judicial center on Friday.
Nevertheless, he disputed one particular crime he was charged with, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was held in detention prior to a further hearing on late November.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, handling the case, outlined the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She said his victims were under-privileged children who were staying at a youth camp which he managed.
Ruben engaged in a "treat game" with the children, Mrs Prior said, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were settling down and request they to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She told the court the defendant had engaged in this activity with the children "for many years", and minors had previously become sick the next day.
She stated Ruben had been able to explain this repeatedly as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had worries in summer 2025.
The legal representative added: "Recently" his stepchild had concerns about the situation, justifiably.
"They decided to investigate in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel stated items including infant oil, ointment and syringes were located, and his stepson alerted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She stated Ruben continued to play the "treat game" with six boys that night - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that stage," she added.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the events.
Mrs Prior said the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the family member contacted the law enforcement a second time.
She stated Ruben then engaged in the "treat game" in a area of five minors.
