A man who spiked treats with sleeping medication and gave them to youngsters at a youth camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two boys who were nine and ten years old.
The defendant was detained after eight minors and one adult experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in July.
The senior citizen, from that region, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the courthouse on the end of the week.
However, he disputed one particular crime he was facing, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was kept in jail before a further hearing on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, outlined the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She stated his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a summer camp which he managed.
Ruben played a "sweet game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to eat sweets "rapidly".
She told the court the defendant had engaged in this activity with the boys "for many years", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She stated the man had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had worries in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "This year his stepchild had suspicions about the situation, for good reason.
"They decided to examine in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC said materials including infant oil, ointment and injection devices were found, and his stepchild notified the authorities about his suspicions.
She explained the defendant proceeded to conduct the "sweet game" with six boys that night - that Saturday - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"The police had not arrived by that point," she continued.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was reviewing the police response of the incident.
Mrs Prior explained the youngsters were struggling to walk due to their condition, so the family member notified the police once more.
She stated Ruben then engaged in the "candy game" in a space of five youngsters.
