A person who spiked treats with sleeping medication and distributed them to minors at a summer camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual crimes against two young males both between nine and ten.
The accused was taken into custody after eight youngsters and a grown-up became sick at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
Yet, he refused to admit one particular crime he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was held in detention before a subsequent court date on late November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, outlined the defendant's actions to the court.
She stated his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer program which he operated.
Ruben conducted a "candy game" with the children, the prosecutor explained, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and request they to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the defendant had conducted this practice with the children "repeatedly", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She said the defendant had been able to explain this for many years as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had worries in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "In the summer" his stepchild had worries about the activities, for good reason.
"They chose" to have a look in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel stated objects including baby oil, ointment and syringes were located, and his stepchild contacted the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She explained the defendant continued to conduct the "candy game" with six boys that time - July 26th - and they were all sick the next day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that time," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, previously told that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the situation.
The prosecutor stated the children were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the stepson called the police again.
She explained the defendant then conducted the "candy game" in a space of five children.
