A person who spiked treats with sleeping medication and provided them to youngsters at a summer camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two boys both nine and 10.
The accused was detained after eight youngsters and an older person experienced illness at the location in July.
The senior citizen, from that region, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he stood at the judicial center on Friday.
Nevertheless, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was kept in jail before a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, detailed Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She stated his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer program which he operated.
The man engaged in a "candy game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel stated, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had played this game with the boys "for many years", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She stated the defendant had been able to explain this over a long period as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had worries in July 2025.
The prosecutor added: "Recently" his family member had suspicions about the activities, justifiably.
"They resolved" to investigate in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC stated items including baby oil, ointment and medical needles were located, and his stepchild notified the authorities about his worries.
She said the man proceeded to play the "treat game" with six children that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the following morning.
"The police had not responded by that stage," she continued.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, had stated that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the incident.
The legal representative stated the children were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the family member called the law enforcement once more.
She explained Ruben then played the "candy game" in a space of five children.
