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An individual who spiked treats with tranquilliser and distributed them to minors at a youth camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual crimes against two young males both nine and 10.

The defendant was arrested after eight minors and a grown-up experienced illness at the location in July.

The 76-year-old, from that region, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at the courthouse on Friday.

Nevertheless, he denied one particular crime he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old child.

The defendant was held in detention prior to a further hearing on November 28th.

'Candy game'

The legal representative, presenting evidence, detailed the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.

She stated his targets were under-privileged children who were attending a summer program which he operated.

Ruben conducted a "sweet game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were settling down and tell them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".

She stated to the judge the defendant had engaged in this activity with the young males "for many years", and children had previously fallen ill the following morning.

She said the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had suspicions in summer 2025.

Mrs Prior KC stated further: "Recently" his stepson had suspicions about what was going on, justifiably.

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

The prosecutor said materials including infant oil, Vaseline and syringes were discovered, and his stepchild contacted the law enforcement about his worries.

She said the man went on to engage in the "treat game" with six boys that evening - that Saturday - and they were all sick the next day.

"The police had not arrived by that point," she added.

The oversight body, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was investigating the police response of the incident.

The legal representative explained the children were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson contacted the police a second time.

She stated the defendant then played the "sweet game" in a area of five minors.