An individual who spiked sweets with sleeping medication and distributed them to children at a youth camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two boys both nine and ten years old.
The accused was arrested after eight children and one adult became sick at Stathern Lodge in July.
The 76-year-old, from that region, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
Yet, he refused to admit one particular crime he was charged with, which was against a young boy.
The defendant was kept in jail before a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, handling the case, outlined the criminal behavior to the court.
She stated his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a summer camp which he ran.
Ruben conducted a "candy game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel explained, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and request they to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had engaged in this activity with the children "for many years", and children had previously fallen ill the next day.
She stated Ruben had been able to explain this over a long period as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had worries in July 2025.
The prosecutor added: "In the summer" his family member had worries about what was going on, justifiably.
"They chose" to have a look in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC explained objects including infant oil, petroleum jelly and syringes were located, and his stepson contacted the police about his worries.
She said the defendant proceeded to engage in the "candy game" with six youngsters that night - July 26th - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"The police had not gone out by that point," she continued.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, previously told that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the events.
The legal representative said the children were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the stepson notified the authorities a second time.
She explained Ruben then engaged in the "treat game" in a area of five children.
