A person who laced sweets with tranquilliser and distributed them to youngsters at a youth camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offences against two boys aged nine and ten years old.
The accused was arrested after eight minors and an older person experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in July.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
Yet, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was against a young boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody before a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, detailed the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She stated his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer camp which he ran.
Ruben played a "sweet game" with the children, the prosecutor stated, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to ingest treats "rapidly".
She stated to the judge the defendant had engaged in this activity with the young males "over an extended period", and minors had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She said the man had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had suspicions in summer 2025.
The legal representative continued: "Recently" his family member had suspicions about what was going on, for good reason.
"They decided to investigate in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel explained objects including baby oil, ointment and injection devices were located, and his stepchild alerted the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She said the man proceeded to play the "treat game" with six boys that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that time," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, had stated that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
Mrs Prior explained the children were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson notified the authorities once more.
She stated the man then engaged in the "candy game" in a area of five children.
