A person who spiked candy with tranquilliser and provided them to minors at a summer camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offenses against two boys aged between nine and ten.
The accused was detained after eight youngsters and an older person became sick at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
Yet, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was involving a young boy.
The accused was remanded in custody before a further hearing on November 28th.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, outlined the defendant's actions to the court.
She stated his victims were under-privileged children who were attending a youth camp which he operated.
The defendant played a "treat game" with the minors, the legal counsel said, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and request they to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She told the court the man had played this game with the boys "repeatedly", and minors had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She explained the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had concerns in summer 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "This year his family member had suspicions about the situation, for good reason.
"They chose" to have a look in the individual's items."
The legal counsel stated items including infant oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were located, and his family member notified the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She explained Ruben continued to conduct the "sweet game" with six youngsters that night - that Saturday - and they were all sick the next day.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that time," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, previously told that it was examining the police response of the situation.
The prosecutor explained the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the stepson called the police again.
She explained Ruben then engaged in the "treat game" in a room of five youngsters.
