A person who laced treats with tranquilliser and gave them to minors at a summer camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two children who were nine and 10.
The defendant was arrested after eight children and an older person fell ill at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from that region, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at the courthouse on the end of the week.
Yet, he disputed a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was involving a young boy.
The defendant was kept in jail prior to a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, described the defendant's actions to the court.
She stated his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a youth camp which he operated.
The defendant engaged in a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor said, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and ask them to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings the man had engaged in this activity with the boys "for many years", and youngsters had previously become sick the following morning.
She explained Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had concerns in summer 2025.
The legal representative added: "Recently" his stepchild had suspicions about the situation, with valid cause.
"They chose" to examine in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel said objects including lubricant, ointment and injection devices were found, and his stepson notified the law enforcement about his worries.
She said the defendant continued to conduct the "candy game" with six youngsters that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that stage," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was examining the police response of the events.
Mrs Prior explained the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the stepson called the law enforcement once more.
She stated Ruben then played the "candy game" in a room of five youngsters.
