An individual who spiked treats with sedative and distributed them to youngsters at a summer program in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two boys both nine and ten years old.
The accused was taken into custody after eight children and an older person became sick at the location in July.
The elderly man, from that region, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at the courthouse on the end of the week.
However, he denied a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was held in detention before a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, outlined Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She said his targets were under-privileged children who were attending a youth camp which he operated.
The man conducted a "sweet game" with the children, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were settling down and tell them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge the man had played this game with the young males "repeatedly", and minors had previously fallen ill the next day.
She explained Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had suspicions in July 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "Recently" his stepchild had worries about the situation, for good reason.
"They resolved" to investigate in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel explained objects including lubricant, ointment and syringes were located, and his stepson alerted the authorities about his worries.
She said the defendant continued to play the "candy game" with six children that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the next day.
"The police had not responded by that stage," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, had stated that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the situation.
The prosecutor said the children were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the stepson contacted the police once more.
She stated Ruben then played the "sweet game" in a space of five youngsters.
