A man who laced candy with tranquilliser and gave them to youngsters at a youth camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offenses against two young males both nine and ten years old.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight children and one adult became sick at the facility in July.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he stood at the judicial center on the end of the week.
Yet, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was concerning a young boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody before a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, described the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She explained his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer program which he ran.
Ruben engaged in a "sweet game" with the minors, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She told the court the man had conducted this practice with the young males "repeatedly", and children had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She stated the defendant had been capable of justifying this for many years as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had suspicions in summer 2025.
The legal representative added: "In the summer" his stepchild had concerns about the situation, with valid cause.
"They decided to examine in the individual's items."
The legal counsel stated materials including baby oil, Vaseline and injection devices were located, and his stepson notified the authorities about his suspicions.
She explained Ruben went on to play the "candy game" with six youngsters that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the following morning.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that point," she continued.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, had stated that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
The legal representative said the children were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the stepson contacted the law enforcement once more.
She stated Ruben then played the "sweet game" in a room of five minors.
