A person who spiked treats with tranquilliser and provided them to children at a summer program in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual crimes against two young males who were nine and ten years old.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight youngsters and one adult fell ill at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Yet, he disputed one particular crime he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was kept in jail before a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, detailed the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She stated his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a youth camp which he ran.
Ruben played a "sweet game" with the minors, the prosecutor said, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to eat sweets "rapidly".
She stated to the judge Ruben had engaged in this activity with the boys "for many years", and youngsters had previously become sick the next day.
She explained the man had been able to explain this repeatedly as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had suspicions in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "Recently" his family member had concerns about the activities, justifiably.
"They decided to investigate in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel stated objects including infant oil, petroleum jelly and syringes were found, and his stepson contacted the police about his suspicions.
She said the man went on to play the "candy game" with six youngsters that evening - that Saturday - and they were all sick the following morning.
"Authorities" had not responded by that point," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, previously told that it was investigating the police response of the situation.
The legal representative said the youngsters were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson called the authorities again.
She explained Ruben then played the "sweet game" in a space of five youngsters.
