An individual who laced sweets with tranquilliser and gave them to youngsters at a summer program in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offences against two boys aged nine and 10.
The accused was taken into custody after eight youngsters and one adult became sick at Stathern Lodge in July.
The elderly man, from that region, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at the courthouse on recently.
Yet, he disputed one particular crime he was charged with, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was held in detention ahead of a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, detailed Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She stated his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a youth camp which he operated.
Ruben conducted a "sweet game" with the minors, the prosecutor said, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to consume candy "rapidly".
She stated to the judge the defendant had played this game with the boys "for many years", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She stated the man had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had concerns in July 2025.
The legal representative added: "Recently" his stepchild had worries about the situation, for good reason.
"They chose" to examine in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel explained materials including infant oil, Vaseline and medical needles were found, and his stepchild alerted the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She said the man went on to conduct the "candy game" with six youngsters that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that time," she continued.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the incident.
The prosecutor explained the youngsters were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson notified the police a second time.
She stated the man then engaged in the "treat game" in a space of five youngsters.
