A person who contaminated treats with tranquilliser and gave them to minors at a youth camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two boys both between nine and ten.
The accused was arrested after eight minors and an older person fell ill at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from that region, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he was present at the judicial center on recently.
However, he denied one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was against a young boy.
The defendant was kept in jail ahead of a further hearing on 28 November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, detailed the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She explained his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer camp which he operated.
The defendant engaged in a "candy game" with the children, the legal counsel said, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge Ruben had engaged in this activity with the boys "over an extended period", and minors had previously become sick the next day.
She explained the defendant had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had concerns in July 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "In the summer" his family member had concerns about the situation, for good reason.
"They resolved" to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel stated objects including baby oil, ointment and syringes were located, and his family member notified the authorities about his suspicions.
She stated the defendant went on to conduct the "sweet game" with six boys that night - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that point," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, had stated that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the incident.
The prosecutor stated the children were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson notified the authorities a second time.
She said the defendant then conducted the "sweet game" in a room of five minors.
