An individual who laced sweets with tranquilliser and gave them to children at a summer camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two children aged nine and 10.
The accused was arrested after eight youngsters and one adult experienced illness at the facility in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the courthouse on recently.
However, he refused to admit one particular crime he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was kept in jail before a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, described Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She explained his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a youth camp which he operated.
Ruben played a "treat game" with the minors, the prosecutor said, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had played this game with the boys "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She stated the defendant had been capable of justifying this for many years as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had worries in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "Recently" his family member had worries about what was going on, justifiably.
"They resolved" to investigate in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel explained objects including infant oil, ointment and medical needles were discovered, and his stepchild notified the police about his worries.
She stated the man continued to play the "treat game" with six youngsters that evening - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that time," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the situation.
The legal representative stated the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so the family member contacted the police a second time.
She explained Ruben then conducted the "treat game" in a area of five youngsters.
