An individual who contaminated treats with tranquilliser and distributed them to children at a summer camp in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual offenses against two young males who were between nine and ten.
The defendant was detained after eight youngsters and a grown-up fell ill at the location in mid-summer.
The senior citizen, from that region, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he stood at the courthouse on Friday.
Nevertheless, he disputed one particular crime he was facing, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was held in detention ahead of a additional proceeding on late November.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, described the defendant's actions to the court.
She stated his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer program which he managed.
Ruben played a "sweet game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior said, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and request they to consume candy "rapidly".
She stated to the judge Ruben had engaged in this activity with the children "repeatedly", and children had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She said the man had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had worries in summer 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "Recently" his stepchild had suspicions about the activities, justifiably.
"They chose" to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC explained materials including lubricant, petroleum jelly and medical needles were discovered, and his stepchild alerted the authorities about his worries.
She said the man continued to conduct the "candy game" with six youngsters that night - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that point," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was examining the police response of the situation.
Mrs Prior stated the minors were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the family member contacted the authorities once more.
She stated Ruben then engaged in the "treat game" in a area of five youngsters.
