An individual who laced treats with sleeping medication and gave them to youngsters at a summer camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two children aged nine and ten years old.
The accused was detained after eight children and one adult experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from that region, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Nevertheless, he disputed a single sexual charge he was facing, which was involving a young boy.
Ruben was kept in jail before a further hearing on November 28th.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, detailed the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She stated his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a summer program which he managed.
The defendant played a "candy game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel stated, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to consume candy "rapidly".
She stated to the judge the defendant had played this game with the children "over an extended period", and minors had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She said the man had been able to explain this over a long period as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had worries in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "Recently" his stepchild had suspicions about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They decided to examine in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor said materials including lubricant, petroleum jelly and injection devices were discovered, and his family member alerted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She said the defendant continued to play the "treat game" with six boys that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that time," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was investigating the police response of the situation.
The legal representative said the children were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson notified the law enforcement a second time.
She said Ruben then conducted the "candy game" in a space of five minors.
