An individual who contaminated treats with tranquilliser and distributed them to children at a youth camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two children both between nine and ten.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight children and one adult became sick at the location in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at the judicial center on recently.
Nevertheless, he disputed one particular crime he was facing, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody before a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, outlined Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She said his those affected were under-privileged children who were staying at a summer camp which he managed.
The man engaged in a "candy game" with the children, the legal counsel explained, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were settling down and tell them to ingest treats "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had played this game with the children "for many years", and children had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She said Ruben had been capable of justifying this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had concerns in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "Recently" his family member had worries about the situation, with valid cause.
"They chose" to have a look in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor explained objects including baby oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were located, and his family member contacted the authorities about his suspicions.
She stated the defendant continued to play the "candy game" with six youngsters that night - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that time," she continued.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, previously told that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
The prosecutor stated the children were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson contacted the law enforcement a second time.
She explained the man then engaged in the "candy game" in a space of five youngsters.
