A person who laced candy with tranquilliser and distributed them to minors at a youth camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two young males both nine and ten years old.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight minors and a grown-up became sick at the facility in July.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
However, he disputed one particular crime he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
The accused was remanded in custody prior to a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, detailed the criminal behavior to the court.
She explained his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a youth camp which he operated.
Ruben played a "sweet game" with the minors, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and request they to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She told the court the man had engaged in this activity with the children "over an extended period", and children had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She stated the defendant had been capable of justifying this repeatedly as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had concerns in July 2025.
The legal representative added: "Recently" his stepchild had worries about the activities, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to investigate in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor stated materials including infant oil, Vaseline and syringes were located, and his family member contacted the police about his concerns.
She said the man continued to engage in the "sweet game" with six children that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that point," she added.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the incident.
The prosecutor stated the children were struggling to walk due to being ill, so the stepson notified the authorities a second time.
She explained the man then conducted the "treat game" in a space of five youngsters.
