A person who laced candy with tranquilliser and distributed them to youngsters at a youth camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offenses against two young males both between nine and ten.
The defendant was arrested after eight youngsters and a grown-up experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The elderly man, from that region, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at the judicial center on Friday.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was held in detention ahead of a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, handling the case, described the criminal behavior to the court.
She said his targets were under-privileged children who were participating in a youth camp which he managed.
Ruben conducted a "sweet game" with the children, the legal counsel explained, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings the man had played this game with the boys "over an extended period", and children had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She stated the man had been able to explain this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had concerns in summer 2025.
The prosecutor added: "This year his family member had suspicions about the activities, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to investigate in the individual's items."
The legal counsel explained items including lubricant, ointment and syringes were found, and his stepchild alerted the police about his worries.
She stated the defendant proceeded to conduct the "candy game" with six children that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the next day.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that time," she continued.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the events.
Mrs Prior explained the minors were struggling to walk due to being ill, so the stepson notified the authorities a second time.
She said the man then engaged in the "treat game" in a room of five minors.
