A man who laced candy with sleeping medication and distributed them to minors at a summer camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two boys who were nine and ten years old.
The accused was arrested after eight youngsters and an older person experienced illness at the facility in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from that region, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Yet, he disputed one particular crime he was charged with, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
The accused was kept in jail prior to a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, outlined the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She stated his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a youth camp which he operated.
The defendant played a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor explained, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and request they to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She told the court the man had engaged in this activity with the young males "for many years", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She stated Ruben had been capable of justifying this repeatedly as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had suspicions in summer 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "Recently" his stepchild had concerns about the activities, justifiably.
"They chose" to have a look in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel stated items including lubricant, ointment and medical needles were found, and his family member alerted the authorities about his worries.
She stated the man continued to play the "sweet game" with six boys that night - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that time," she stated further.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the events.
Mrs Prior explained the children were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the family member contacted the police once more.
She said the defendant then played the "sweet game" in a space of five children.
