A man who spiked sweets with sedative and distributed them to children at a summer camp in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual crimes against two boys who were nine and ten years old.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight children and an older person became sick at Stathern Lodge in July.
The senior citizen, from that region, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
However, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was remanded in custody prior to a further hearing on November 28th.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, described the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She stated his targets were under-privileged children who were attending a youth camp which he operated.
Ruben engaged in a "treat game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel stated, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge the defendant had played this game with the children "over an extended period", and children had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She explained the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had suspicions in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "In the summer" his family member had concerns about what was going on, for good reason.
"They decided to have a look in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC explained objects including baby oil, Vaseline and syringes were discovered, and his family member alerted the authorities about his concerns.
She explained the man proceeded to conduct the "candy game" with six children that time - July 26th - and they were all ill the next day.
"The police had not responded by that time," she continued.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
The prosecutor said the minors were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson called the authorities once more.
She stated Ruben then engaged in the "sweet game" in a space of five minors.
