An individual who laced treats with sedative and gave them to youngsters at a summer camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offences against two young males who were between nine and ten.
The accused was detained after eight minors and a grown-up became sick at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The elderly man, from that region, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
Yet, he denied one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody before a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, outlined the criminal behavior to the court.
She stated his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a youth camp which he operated.
The man played a "treat game" with the children, the prosecutor explained, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and request they to consume candy "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had conducted this practice with the young males "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She said the man had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had concerns in summer 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "Recently" his stepchild had concerns about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They chose" to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel explained materials including lubricant, petroleum jelly and syringes were discovered, and his stepchild notified the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She said the defendant proceeded to engage in the "treat game" with six children that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"The police had not responded by that stage," she continued.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, previously told that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
Mrs Prior stated the children were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson called the law enforcement a second time.
She stated the defendant then conducted the "treat game" in a space of five minors.
