An individual who spiked sweets with sedative and distributed them to minors at a summer program in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two children who were between nine and ten.
The defendant was detained after eight youngsters and a grown-up became sick at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
However, he denied one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was remanded in custody before a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, outlined Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She stated his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a summer camp which he managed.
The man played a "candy game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to ingest treats "rapidly".
She told the court Ruben had played this game with the children "repeatedly", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the next day.
She stated the defendant had been able to explain this for many years as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had worries in summer 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "In the summer" his stepson had concerns about the situation, with valid cause.
"They chose" to investigate in the individual's items."
The prosecutor stated materials including infant oil, petroleum jelly and syringes were discovered, and his family member notified the authorities about his worries.
She explained the man went on to play the "sweet game" with six youngsters that time - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that time," she added.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was examining law enforcement's management of the situation.
The prosecutor said the children were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so the family member contacted the authorities once more.
She explained the defendant then conducted the "sweet game" in a area of five youngsters.
