An individual who laced candy with tranquilliser and provided them to children at a youth camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two young males who were nine and ten years old.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight youngsters and an older person experienced illness at the facility in the summer month.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he was present at the courthouse on Friday.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit one particular crime he was charged with, which was against a young boy.
The accused was held in detention ahead of a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, handling the case, detailed the criminal behavior to the court.
She stated his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a youth camp which he ran.
Ruben played a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel explained, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She told the court Ruben had played this game with the children "for many years", and minors had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She said the man had been able to explain this repeatedly as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had worries in summer 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "Recently" his stepchild had concerns about the situation, with valid cause.
"They chose" to examine in the individual's items."
The prosecutor said materials including baby oil, ointment and syringes were located, and his family member notified the police about his suspicions.
She explained the defendant continued to play the "candy game" with six children that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the following morning.
"Authorities" had not responded by that point," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, had stated that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
The prosecutor explained the children were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the family member contacted the law enforcement again.
She stated the defendant then conducted the "treat game" in a area of five children.
