A man who laced treats with tranquilliser and distributed them to youngsters at a youth camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two young males who were between nine and ten.
The accused was taken into custody after eight minors and a grown-up experienced illness at the location in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from that region, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the courthouse on the end of the week.
However, he denied one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was against a young boy.
Ruben was held in detention before a further hearing on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, described the criminal behavior to the court.
She said his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer camp which he ran.
Ruben conducted a "sweet game" with the children, the prosecutor stated, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to eat sweets "rapidly".
She stated to the judge the man had engaged in this activity with the young males "for many years", and children had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She said Ruben had been able to explain this for many years as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had concerns in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "Recently" his family member had worries about the activities, for good reason.
"They decided to examine in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC stated items including baby oil, Vaseline and injection devices were located, and his stepchild contacted the authorities about his worries.
She said the defendant proceeded to play the "sweet game" with six boys that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"The police had not arrived by that point," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, previously told that it was examining the police response of the events.
The legal representative said the children were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the stepson contacted the authorities once more.
She said the man then conducted the "sweet game" in a room of five minors.
