An individual who spiked treats with tranquilliser and gave them to minors at a summer program in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual offenses against two children who were between nine and ten.
The accused was taken into custody after eight minors and an older person fell ill at Stathern Lodge in July.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he stood at the judicial center on the end of the week.
However, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody prior to a subsequent court date on late November.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, described the criminal behavior to the court.
She said his victims were under-privileged children who were attending a summer camp which he operated.
The man played a "candy game" with the minors, the prosecutor said, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were settling down and request they to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She told the court Ruben had played this game with the young males "for many years", and children had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She explained the defendant had been able to explain this over a long period as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had concerns in July 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "This year his family member had suspicions about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They chose" to examine in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC explained materials including infant oil, petroleum jelly and injection devices were discovered, and his stepchild notified the police about his worries.
She stated the defendant continued to conduct the "candy game" with six boys that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that stage," she continued.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, previously told that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the situation.
The legal representative said the children were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the stepson notified the police again.
She stated the man then engaged in the "candy game" in a space of five youngsters.
