A person who laced candy with sedative and provided them to minors at a summer program in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offenses against two young males who were between nine and ten.
The accused was detained after eight youngsters and an older person became sick at Stathern Lodge in July.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he stood at the judicial center on Friday.
Nevertheless, he disputed one particular crime he was charged with, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The accused was held in detention prior to a additional proceeding on late November.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, detailed the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She stated his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer camp which he operated.
Ruben engaged in a "treat game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor explained, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She told the court the defendant had engaged in this activity with the children "repeatedly", and minors had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She stated Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had concerns in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "Recently" his stepson had worries about what was going on, justifiably.
"They chose" to examine in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor stated objects including infant oil, petroleum jelly and injection devices were located, and his family member notified the authorities about his suspicions.
She said Ruben proceeded to play the "treat game" with six youngsters that time - July 26th - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that stage," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, previously told that it was investigating the police response of the situation.
Mrs Prior stated the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the family member contacted the police once more.
She stated the defendant then played the "treat game" in a room of five minors.
