A person who spiked treats with tranquilliser and provided them to minors at a summer camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offences against two boys who were nine and ten years old.
The accused was arrested after eight youngsters and an older person became sick at the facility in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he disputed one particular crime he was facing, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
The accused was held in detention prior to a further hearing on 28 November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, outlined the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She stated his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer program which he operated.
The defendant conducted a "sweet game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge the defendant had played this game with the children "repeatedly", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She stated Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had concerns in July 2025.
The prosecutor added: "In the summer" his family member had concerns about what was going on, for good reason.
"They resolved" to investigate in the individual's items."
The prosecutor said items including lubricant, petroleum jelly and syringes were discovered, and his family member notified the police about his worries.
She explained Ruben went on to play the "treat game" with six children that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the next day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that time," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was examining the police response of the events.
The legal representative explained the minors were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so the family member contacted the law enforcement again.
She explained the man then played the "candy game" in a space of five youngsters.
