An individual who laced treats with tranquilliser and provided them to children at a summer camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual crimes against two young males aged nine and ten years old.
The defendant was arrested after eight minors and a grown-up fell ill at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from that region, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the courthouse on recently.
However, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was facing, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was remanded in custody prior to a additional proceeding on late November.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, detailed the criminal behavior to the court.
She explained his those affected were under-privileged children who were participating in a youth camp which he operated.
The man played a "treat game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor explained, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She told the court Ruben had played this game with the young males "over an extended period", and children had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She said the defendant had been capable of justifying this for many years as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had worries in summer 2025.
The prosecutor added: "This year his stepson had worries about the situation, with valid cause.
"They decided to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor stated items including lubricant, Vaseline and syringes were located, and his family member contacted the police about his worries.
She said the man proceeded to conduct the "sweet game" with six youngsters that night - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that stage," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was reviewing the police response of the events.
The legal representative explained the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the family member called the law enforcement once more.
She explained the defendant then engaged in the "sweet game" in a room of five children.
