A man who laced treats with sleeping medication and distributed them to children at a summer camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual crimes against two young males who were nine and ten years old.
The accused was taken into custody after eight youngsters and one adult experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The elderly man, from that region, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at the courthouse on recently.
Nevertheless, he denied one particular crime he was accused of, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was kept in jail ahead of a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, described the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She said his those affected were under-privileged children who were staying at a summer program which he operated.
The man played 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 ask them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had played this game with the children "repeatedly", and minors had previously become sick the next day.
She said the man had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had concerns in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "Recently" his family member had concerns about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They decided to have a look in the individual's items."
The legal counsel explained materials including infant oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were found, and his stepchild contacted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She explained the man went on to engage in the "candy game" with six children that evening - July 26th - and they were all sick the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that stage," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, had stated that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
The prosecutor explained the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson contacted the police a second time.
She said Ruben then engaged in the "sweet game" in a space of five youngsters.
