A person who contaminated treats with tranquilliser and distributed them to children at a youth camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offences against two boys both nine and ten years old.
The defendant was detained after eight minors and an older person fell ill at the facility in July.
The elderly man, from that region, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at the courthouse on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he disputed one particular crime he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was held in detention prior to a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, outlined Ruben's offending to the court.
She explained his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a youth camp which he ran.
The defendant played a "candy game" with the minors, the legal counsel explained, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and request they to ingest treats "rapidly".
She told the court the man had engaged in this activity with the children "over an extended period", and minors had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She stated Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had suspicions in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "This year his stepson had suspicions about what was going on, for good reason.
"They decided to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC stated items including infant oil, ointment and syringes were found, and his stepchild alerted the police about his concerns.
She explained the defendant proceeded to engage in the "treat game" with six children that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that time," she added.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was reviewing the police response of the events.
Mrs Prior explained the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the family member contacted the authorities once more.
She stated Ruben then conducted the "treat game" in a space of five children.
