A man who contaminated treats with tranquilliser and provided them to youngsters at a youth camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offences against two young males aged nine and 10.
The accused was taken into custody after eight children and one adult experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he denied one particular crime he was facing, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was held in detention prior to a further hearing on late November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, outlined the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She explained his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a youth camp which he managed.
The man engaged in a "candy game" with the children, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had played this game with the children "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously become sick the next day.
She stated the man had been able to explain this for many years as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had concerns in summer 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "This year his stepchild had concerns about the activities, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to have a look in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor stated items including infant oil, ointment and syringes were found, and his stepchild notified the police about his worries.
She explained the defendant went on to play the "treat game" with six children that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that time," she added.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, previously told that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the situation.
Mrs Prior explained the minors were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the family member contacted the authorities once more.
She stated the defendant then conducted the "treat game" in a area of five minors.
