A person who spiked treats with sedative and gave them to minors at a summer camp in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual offenses against two boys who were nine and ten years old.
The defendant was detained after eight minors and one adult fell ill at the location in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
However, he disputed one particular crime he was facing, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was held in detention prior to a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, described the criminal behavior to the court.
She stated his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a summer camp which he managed.
The defendant played a "candy game" with the minors, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would go into the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the man had engaged in this activity with the boys "for many years", and minors had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She stated the man had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had worries in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "This year his stepchild had suspicions about the situation, justifiably.
"They decided to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor stated materials including infant oil, petroleum jelly and injection devices were found, and his family member notified the authorities about his worries.
She said Ruben continued to engage in the "treat game" with six children that evening - that Saturday - and they were all sick the following morning.
"The police had not responded by that stage," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was reviewing the police response of the situation.
The legal representative said the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson contacted the authorities a second time.
She stated the defendant then engaged in the "treat game" in a space of five youngsters.
