An individual who contaminated treats with tranquilliser and gave them to children at a summer camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offenses against two young males aged between nine and ten.
The defendant was detained after eight minors and an older person fell ill at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the courthouse on recently.
Yet, he denied one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was kept in jail prior to a subsequent court date on late November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, detailed the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She stated his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a youth camp which he operated.
Ruben conducted a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel explained, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and tell them to eat sweets "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had conducted this practice with the children "over an extended period", and children had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She explained the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had worries in July 2025.
The prosecutor added: "In the summer" his stepson had worries about the activities, justifiably.
"They chose" to examine in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor said materials including baby oil, ointment and medical needles were found, and his stepchild contacted the police about his suspicions.
She stated the defendant proceeded to play the "treat game" with six boys that evening - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that time," she stated further.
The oversight body, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was examining the police response of the events.
The prosecutor explained the minors were struggling to walk due to being ill, so the family member notified the authorities once more.
She explained the man then played the "sweet game" in a space of five minors.
