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A man who contaminated treats with sedative and distributed them to children at a youth camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two young males aged nine and 10.

The accused was arrested after eight children and one adult fell ill at the facility in mid-summer.

The 76-year-old, from that region, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at the judicial center on the end of the week.

However, he denied a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.

The accused was kept in jail ahead of a additional proceeding on 28 November.

'Sweet game'

The prosecutor, presenting evidence, detailed Ruben's offending to the judicial body.

She said his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a youth camp which he managed.

Ruben engaged in a "sweet game" with the children, the prosecutor said, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and request they to consume candy "rapidly".

She stated to the judge the defendant had conducted this practice with the boys "for many years", and minors had previously become sick the next day.

She said Ruben had been able to explain this for many years as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had concerns in July 2025.

The legal representative stated further: "Recently" his stepson had concerns about the activities, for good reason.

"They decided to have a look in the man's possessions."

The legal counsel explained items including infant oil, ointment and syringes were found, and his stepson alerted the law enforcement about his concerns.

She said the defendant proceeded to conduct the "treat game" with six boys that time - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.

"The police had not responded by that stage," she added.

The regulatory agency, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.

The legal representative stated the minors were struggling to walk due to being ill, so the family member called the law enforcement a second time.

She explained Ruben then played the "treat game" in a room of five minors.