A man who contaminated sweets with tranquilliser and gave them to children at a summer camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual crimes against two young males aged nine and 10.
The defendant was detained after eight minors and a grown-up experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from that region, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he denied one particular crime he was facing, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
The accused was held in detention before a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, described Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She stated his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer camp which he ran.
The defendant engaged in a "treat game" with the children, the prosecutor stated, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings the man had played this game with the young males "over an extended period", and minors had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She explained Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had suspicions in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "Recently" his stepchild had suspicions about the situation, justifiably.
"They decided to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor stated objects including lubricant, ointment and medical needles were discovered, and his stepchild contacted the law enforcement about his worries.
She explained the defendant proceeded to conduct the "treat game" with six children that evening - that Saturday - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that stage," she continued.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, had stated that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the incident.
The prosecutor stated the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson notified the law enforcement once more.
She explained the man then played the "sweet game" in a room of five children.
