A person who laced candy with sedative and gave them to youngsters at a summer program in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual offenses against two boys who were nine and ten years old.
The defendant was detained after eight children and an older person experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from that region, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the judicial center on recently.
Yet, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was held in detention before a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, handling the case, detailed the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She explained his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a summer camp which he managed.
The man engaged in a "treat game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel explained, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the man had engaged in this activity with the young males "for many years", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She explained Ruben had been able to explain this over a long period as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had worries in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "Recently" his stepchild had concerns about the situation, for good reason.
"They decided to examine in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor explained materials including baby oil, petroleum jelly and syringes were discovered, and his family member alerted the authorities about his worries.
She explained the defendant continued to conduct the "treat game" with six youngsters that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the following morning.
"Authorities" had not responded by that stage," she added.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was examining the police response of the situation.
The legal representative said the youngsters were struggling to walk due to being ill, so the family member notified the authorities again.
She said the man then engaged in the "treat game" in a area of five minors.
