An individual who spiked candy with tranquilliser and distributed them to youngsters at a youth camp in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual crimes against two young males who were nine and 10.
The defendant was detained after eight children and a grown-up became sick at the location in July.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at the judicial center on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he disputed a single sexual charge he was facing, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was held in detention prior to a further hearing on late November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, described the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She stated his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a youth camp which he managed.
The man engaged in a "candy game" with the minors, the legal counsel stated, in which he would go into the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the defendant had conducted this practice with the boys "repeatedly", and minors had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She stated the defendant had been able to explain this for many years as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had worries in summer 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "This year his stepchild had concerns about what was going on, justifiably.
"They chose" to examine in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor explained items including baby oil, Vaseline and injection devices were found, and his stepson contacted the police about his suspicions.
She stated the man went on to play the "treat game" with six boys that night - July 26th - and they were all ill the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that stage," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the incident.
The prosecutor explained the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the family member notified the law enforcement again.
She said the defendant then conducted the "treat game" in a space of five youngsters.
