An individual who spiked treats with sleeping medication and distributed them to children at a summer camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two young males aged nine and 10.
The accused was arrested after eight minors and a grown-up experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from that region, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Nevertheless, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
The accused was remanded in custody ahead of a further hearing on November 28th.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, outlined the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She stated his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a summer program which he operated.
The defendant engaged in a "candy game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel said, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She told the court Ruben had conducted this practice with the boys "over an extended period", and minors had previously become sick the next day.
She explained Ruben had been capable of justifying this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had concerns in summer 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "This year his stepson had worries about the situation, for good reason.
"They decided to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor stated objects including infant oil, Vaseline and syringes were discovered, and his stepson notified the police about his concerns.
She explained Ruben went on to engage in the "treat game" with six boys that night - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that time," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the events.
The legal representative said the children were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so the family member contacted the law enforcement again.
She said the defendant then engaged in the "treat game" in a space of five youngsters.
