A man who laced treats with sedative and provided them to youngsters at a youth camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two children who were nine and 10.
The accused was taken into custody after eight minors and one adult became sick at the location in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from that region, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the judicial center on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was kept in jail before a further hearing on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, handling the case, detailed the defendant's actions to the court.
She stated his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a youth camp which he managed.
The man played a "candy game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the defendant had played this game with the children "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She said the defendant had been able to explain this for many years as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had concerns in July 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "In the summer" his stepchild had suspicions about what was going on, justifiably.
"They decided to examine in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor explained materials including baby oil, Vaseline and syringes were found, and his family member alerted the law enforcement about his worries.
She said the defendant went on to conduct the "sweet game" with six boys that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the next day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that stage," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, previously told that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
The legal representative said the minors were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the family member contacted the law enforcement a second time.
She stated Ruben then engaged in the "sweet game" in a space of five minors.
