A man who laced treats with tranquilliser and distributed them to children at a youth camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two children both between nine and ten.
The accused was arrested after eight youngsters and an older person experienced illness at the location in mid-summer.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he stood at the judicial center on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he denied one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was concerning a young boy.
The defendant was held in detention before a subsequent court date on late November.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, detailed the defendant's actions to the court.
She said his those affected were under-privileged children who were staying at a summer camp which he ran.
The defendant engaged in a "treat game" with the minors, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would go into the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to ingest treats "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings the man had played this game with the young males "for many years", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She explained Ruben had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had concerns in July 2025.
The prosecutor added: "This year his family member had concerns about the situation, for good reason.
"They chose" to examine in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC stated items including infant oil, Vaseline and medical needles were discovered, and his family member notified the police about his suspicions.
She stated the man went on to engage in the "sweet game" with six youngsters that time - July 26th - and they were all ill the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that stage," she added.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, had stated that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
The legal representative stated the minors were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the family member notified the police once more.
She stated the man then conducted the "sweet game" in a area of five youngsters.
