An individual who spiked treats with sedative and gave them to minors at a youth camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two boys who were between nine and ten.
The accused was detained after eight minors and one adult experienced illness at the location in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
However, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was concerning a young boy.
The defendant was kept in jail ahead of a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, outlined the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She said his victims were under-privileged children who were attending a summer program which he managed.
Ruben conducted a "treat game" with the children, the prosecutor said, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had conducted this practice with the young males "over an extended period", and children had previously fallen ill the next day.
She stated the defendant had been able to explain this repeatedly as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had suspicions in summer 2025.
The prosecutor added: "This year his family member had concerns about the situation, with valid cause.
"They decided to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel stated objects including baby oil, ointment and medical needles were located, and his family member notified the police about his concerns.
She stated the man proceeded to play the "candy game" with six boys that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"The police had not arrived by that stage," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, previously told that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
Mrs Prior explained the children were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so the stepson notified the authorities once more.
She explained Ruben then conducted the "candy game" in a area of five minors.
