An individual who spiked treats with sleeping medication and gave them to children at a summer camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offences against two boys aged nine and ten years old.
The accused was detained after eight minors and one adult became sick at the location in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from that region, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he stood at the courthouse on the end of the week.
However, he refused to admit one particular crime he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was remanded in custody before a further hearing on November 28th.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, detailed the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She stated his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a summer program which he ran.
The defendant played a "treat game" with the children, the prosecutor explained, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had played this game with the children "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She stated Ruben had been able to explain this repeatedly as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had concerns in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "This year his stepson had suspicions about what was going on, justifiably.
"They chose" to examine in the individual's items."
The prosecutor stated objects including lubricant, petroleum jelly and medical needles were found, and his stepchild notified the authorities about his concerns.
She said Ruben continued to engage in the "candy game" with six youngsters that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that point," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, previously told that it was examining law enforcement's management of the situation.
The legal representative said the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson contacted the authorities once more.
She said the defendant then conducted the "treat game" in a space of five minors.
