A man who spiked treats with tranquilliser and gave them to youngsters at a summer program in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two children both nine and 10.
The defendant was arrested after eight children and an older person fell ill at the facility in July.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
However, he refused to admit one particular crime he was accused of, which was concerning a young boy.
The accused was kept in jail before a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, outlined Ruben's offending to the court.
She stated his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer camp which he ran.
The man played a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel stated, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to consume candy "rapidly".
She stated to the judge the defendant had conducted this practice with the children "repeatedly", and minors had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She explained Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had suspicions in summer 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "This year his stepson had worries about what was going on, for good reason.
"They chose" to investigate in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor stated objects including infant oil, Vaseline and syringes were discovered, and his family member alerted the police about his suspicions.
She stated the defendant continued to engage in the "sweet game" with six children that time - July 26th - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"The police had not gone out by that time," she added.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, had stated that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the situation.
Mrs Prior explained the children were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the family member notified the law enforcement once more.
She stated the man then engaged in the "candy game" in a space of five minors.
