A man who spiked candy with tranquilliser and provided them to children at a youth camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual crimes against two young males both nine and 10.
The defendant was arrested after eight children and one adult experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in July.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the judicial center on Friday.
Yet, he disputed one particular crime he was charged with, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
The accused was remanded in custody before a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, detailed the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She said his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a summer program which he operated.
The defendant played a "treat game" with the minors, the prosecutor explained, in which he would access the boys' rooms 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 "for many years", and minors had previously become sick the following morning.
She said the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had suspicions in summer 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "This year his stepson had concerns about what was going on, for good reason.
"They decided to have a look in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor stated objects including baby oil, ointment and syringes were located, and his family member contacted the authorities about his concerns.
She explained Ruben proceeded to play the "candy game" with six boys that time - that Saturday - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that time," she added.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, had stated that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
Mrs Prior said the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson contacted the law enforcement a second time.
She said Ruben then played the "candy game" in a area of five minors.
