An individual who spiked candy with tranquilliser and gave them to children at a summer program in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual offences against two boys who were nine and 10.
The accused was taken into custody after eight children and a grown-up experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in July.
The elderly man, from that region, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at the courthouse on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was facing, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was held in detention before a additional proceeding on late November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, detailed Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She stated his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer camp which he operated.
Ruben conducted a "candy game" with the children, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had engaged in this activity with the young males "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She said the man had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had suspicions in summer 2025.
The legal representative added: "This year his stepchild had worries about what was going on, for good reason.
"They decided to have a look in the individual's items."
The legal counsel explained objects including infant oil, ointment and injection devices were located, and his stepchild alerted the police about his worries.
She explained Ruben continued to conduct the "candy game" with six boys that night - that Saturday - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that stage," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was examining law enforcement's management of the situation.
Mrs Prior stated the children were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so the stepson contacted the police once more.
She said the defendant then conducted the "sweet game" in a room of five children.
