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A person who spiked treats with tranquilliser and gave them to children at a summer program in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual crimes against two young males who were nine and ten years old.

The defendant was detained after eight minors and a grown-up became sick at Stathern Lodge in July.

The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on recently.

Nevertheless, he denied one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.

Ruben was remanded in custody prior to a further hearing on late November.

'Treat game'

The legal representative, handling the case, outlined the defendant's actions to the court.

She stated his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a youth camp which he managed.

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 tell them to consume candy "as fast as possible".

She stated to the judge the defendant had played this game with the young males "for many years", and minors had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.

She stated Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had worries in summer 2025.

The prosecutor added: "In the summer" his family member had worries about the situation, for good reason.

"They chose" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."

The legal counsel explained items including baby oil, ointment and medical needles were located, and his stepchild notified the law enforcement about his concerns.

She stated the man went on to play the "sweet game" with six boys that time - July 26th - and they were all sick the following morning.

"Law enforcement" had not responded by that point," she continued.

The oversight body, the investigative body, previously told that it was examining law enforcement's management of the incident.

The prosecutor explained the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson contacted the law enforcement once more.

She stated the defendant then engaged in the "candy game" in a room of five youngsters.