A man who spiked candy with tranquilliser and provided them to minors at a summer camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two young males who were nine and 10.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight youngsters and one adult experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from that region, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the judicial center on recently.
However, he refused to admit one particular crime he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was kept in jail prior to a further hearing on November 28th.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, detailed Ruben's offending to the court.
She stated his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a summer camp which he managed.
The man engaged in a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel explained, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and ask them to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings the man had engaged in this activity with the young males "over an extended period", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She stated the man had been capable of justifying this repeatedly as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had concerns in July 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "This year his stepson had worries about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to have a look in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC said items including lubricant, petroleum jelly and syringes were found, and his family member contacted the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She said Ruben went on to engage in the "candy game" with six children that time - July 26th - and they were all sick the next day.
"The police had not gone out by that time," she continued.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, previously told that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
The prosecutor stated the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the stepson contacted the law enforcement once more.
She explained Ruben then engaged in the "candy game" in a space of five minors.
