A man who laced treats with tranquilliser and provided them to minors at a summer program in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two boys both nine and 10.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight youngsters and an older person became sick at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the judicial center on Friday.
Nevertheless, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was concerning a young boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody ahead of a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, outlined the defendant's actions to the court.
She explained his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a youth camp which he managed.
The man engaged in a "sweet game" with the children, the prosecutor explained, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to ingest treats "rapidly".
She stated to the judge Ruben had engaged in this activity with the young males "repeatedly", and minors had previously become sick the next day.
She said the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had suspicions in July 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "In the summer" his family member had concerns about the activities, justifiably.
"They resolved" to examine in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor stated materials including lubricant, petroleum jelly and medical needles were found, and his stepson alerted the police about his suspicions.
She stated the man proceeded to play the "candy game" with six children that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that point," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the incident.
The legal representative stated the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the family member contacted the authorities again.
She stated Ruben then played the "candy game" in a area of five youngsters.
