A man who contaminated treats with tranquilliser and distributed them to minors at a summer camp in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual crimes against two young males aged nine and ten years old.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight children and a grown-up experienced illness at the location in July.
The 76-year-old, from that region, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the courthouse on recently.
Yet, he disputed one particular crime he was charged with, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was kept in jail prior to a additional proceeding on late November.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, handling the case, described the defendant's actions to the court.
She stated his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a summer camp which he operated.
The man engaged in a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor stated, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and request they to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings the man had engaged in this activity with the young males "repeatedly", and minors had previously become sick the following morning.
She said Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had concerns in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "Recently" his stepson had worries about what was going on, justifiably.
"They decided to have a look in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC explained materials including lubricant, Vaseline and syringes were located, and his stepchild alerted the police about his worries.
She explained the defendant proceeded to conduct the "candy game" with six youngsters that time - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that stage," she added.
The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the situation.
The legal representative stated the minors were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so the family member notified the law enforcement a second time.
She stated the defendant then engaged in the "treat game" in a room of five youngsters.
