A man who spiked candy with tranquilliser and distributed them to children at a summer camp in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual offenses against two children who were between nine and ten.
The accused was taken into custody after eight youngsters and a grown-up fell ill at Stathern Lodge in July.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was involving a young boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody prior to a subsequent court date on late November.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, detailed the defendant's actions to the court.
She said his targets were under-privileged children who were attending a summer program which he ran.
Ruben engaged in a "treat game" with the minors, the prosecutor explained, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and request they to ingest treats "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had conducted this practice with the boys "for many years", and children had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She said the man had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had concerns in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "This year his stepson had concerns about the activities, for good reason.
"They chose" to investigate in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC said materials including infant oil, Vaseline and syringes were found, and his stepson alerted the police about his concerns.
She explained the man went on to engage in the "treat game" with six boys that night - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Authorities" had not responded by that time," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, had stated that it was examining law enforcement's management of the events.
The prosecutor said the minors were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson notified the law enforcement a second time.
She stated the man then played the "treat game" in a space of five youngsters.
