A man who contaminated treats with sleeping medication and provided them to children at a summer camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two boys both nine and ten years old.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight youngsters and an older person fell ill at the facility in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from that region, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he stood at the courthouse on Friday.
However, he disputed one particular crime he was charged with, which was concerning a young boy.
The accused was held in detention prior to a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, detailed the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She said his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer camp which he operated.
Ruben engaged in a "candy game" with the minors, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and tell them to ingest treats "rapidly".
She told the court the man had conducted this practice with the children "over an extended period", and minors had previously become sick the following morning.
She explained the man had been able to explain this for many years as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had worries in July 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "In the summer" his stepchild had worries about the situation, for good reason.
"They chose" to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel said materials including infant oil, petroleum jelly and syringes were located, and his family member contacted the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She said the man proceeded to play the "candy game" with six boys that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the next day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that time," she added.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was reviewing the police response of the events.
The prosecutor stated the minors were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the stepson called the law enforcement again.
She stated the defendant then conducted the "candy game" in a space of five minors.
