An individual who spiked candy with tranquilliser and gave them to minors at a summer camp in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual offenses against two boys both nine and ten years old.
The accused was arrested after eight youngsters and a grown-up became sick at Stathern Lodge in July.
The 76-year-old, from that region, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at the courthouse on the end of the week.
However, he disputed one particular crime he was accused of, which was concerning a young boy.
The accused was held in detention ahead of a further hearing on late November.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, described the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She stated his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a summer program which he ran.
The man played a "treat game" with the children, the legal counsel explained, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and ask them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the man had played this game with the young males "over an extended period", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She stated Ruben had been capable of justifying this for many years as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had concerns in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "In the summer" his stepson had worries about the situation, with valid cause.
"They chose" to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor explained items including baby oil, petroleum jelly and syringes were located, and his stepchild notified the authorities about his concerns.
She stated the man proceeded to engage in the "sweet game" with six boys that evening - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"The police had not arrived by that time," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, had stated that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the situation.
The prosecutor explained the minors were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the stepson called the authorities again.
She explained Ruben then conducted the "sweet game" in a area of five youngsters.
