A man who spiked treats with sedative and distributed them to children at a youth camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offenses against two young males aged nine and ten years old.
The accused was arrested after eight children and one adult experienced illness at the location in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from that region, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at the courthouse on recently.
Yet, he denied a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was held in detention prior to a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, outlined the defendant's actions to the court.
She explained his targets were under-privileged children who were staying at a summer program which he operated.
The man conducted a "treat game" with the minors, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were settling down and ask them to ingest treats "rapidly".
She told the court Ruben had conducted this practice with the children "for many years", and children had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She explained the man had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had suspicions in summer 2025.
The legal representative added: "This year his stepson had worries about the situation, justifiably.
"They resolved" to examine in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor said items including lubricant, ointment and injection devices were found, and his family member contacted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She stated the defendant proceeded to play the "treat game" with six boys that evening - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that point," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the events.
The prosecutor stated the minors were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the family member contacted the authorities a second time.
She stated Ruben then played the "candy game" in a room of five youngsters.
