An individual who spiked candy with tranquilliser and gave them to youngsters at a summer camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two boys both nine and ten years old.
The accused was detained after eight minors and a grown-up became sick at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the judicial center on recently.
Yet, he denied one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was kept in jail before a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, outlined the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She stated his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer program which he managed.
The man played a "sweet game" with the minors, the legal counsel stated, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to eat sweets "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had conducted this practice with the children "for many years", and children had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She explained Ruben had been capable of justifying this repeatedly as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had concerns in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "This year his stepson had worries about the activities, for good reason.
"They decided to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel explained items including baby oil, ointment and syringes were discovered, and his family member alerted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She said Ruben proceeded to conduct the "sweet game" with six children that evening - that Saturday - and they were all ill the next day.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that point," she added.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, previously told that it was investigating the police response of the incident.
The prosecutor stated the children were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson notified the police a second time.
She explained the defendant then conducted the "treat game" in a room of five minors.
