A man who spiked treats with tranquilliser and distributed them to minors at a summer camp in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual offenses against two boys who were nine and 10.
The accused was taken into custody after eight children and one adult became sick at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from that region, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at the courthouse on recently.
However, he disputed a single sexual charge he was facing, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was kept in jail prior to a further hearing on late November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, described the criminal behavior to the court.
She stated his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a summer camp which he ran.
Ruben engaged in a "sweet game" with the minors, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were settling down and request they to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She told the court Ruben had engaged in this activity with the young males "repeatedly", and minors had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She stated the defendant had been capable of justifying this for many years as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had worries in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "Recently" his stepchild had worries about the situation, with valid cause.
"They chose" to investigate in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor said materials including baby oil, petroleum jelly and syringes were located, and his family member notified the police about his concerns.
She explained the man went on to conduct the "candy game" with six youngsters that night - that Saturday - and they were all sick the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that time," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, had stated that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
Mrs Prior explained the minors were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the family member called the authorities a second time.
She said the man then conducted the "sweet game" in a space of five youngsters.
