A person who laced treats with tranquilliser and distributed them to youngsters at a youth camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offences against two young males aged nine and 10.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight children and an older person experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in July.
The elderly man, from that region, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was against a young boy.
The defendant was kept in jail ahead of a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, handling the case, outlined Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She stated his those affected were under-privileged children who were participating in a summer camp which he managed.
The man played a "treat game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had played this game with the children "over an extended period", and children had previously fallen ill the next day.
She stated the man had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had suspicions in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "Recently" his stepson had worries about the situation, for good reason.
"They chose" to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC explained items including infant oil, Vaseline and medical needles were found, and his stepson notified the police about his concerns.
She explained Ruben went on to conduct the "treat game" with six children that night - that Saturday - and they were all sick the following morning.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that point," she stated further.
The oversight body, the investigative body, previously told that it was investigating the police response of the incident.
Mrs Prior stated the children were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the family member notified the authorities a second time.
She stated Ruben then conducted the "treat game" in a area of five youngsters.
