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A man who spiked treats with sleeping medication and gave them to children at a youth camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two children who were between nine and ten.

The accused was detained after eight minors and one adult fell ill at the facility in July.

The senior citizen, from that region, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the judicial center on recently.

However, he denied a single sexual charge he was facing, which was against a young boy.

The accused was held in detention before a subsequent court date on late November.

'Sweet game'

The legal representative, handling the case, described Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.

She stated his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a youth camp which he operated.

The man engaged in a "sweet game" with the minors, the prosecutor explained, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and request they to ingest treats "rapidly".

She told the court the man had engaged in this activity with the children "over an extended period", and minors had previously become sick the subsequent day.

She said the man had been capable of justifying this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had concerns in summer 2025.

The prosecutor stated further: "Recently" his family member had concerns about the situation, for good reason.

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

Mrs Prior KC explained materials including baby oil, ointment and injection devices were found, and his family member alerted the police about his worries.

She stated Ruben continued to play the "candy game" with six youngsters that night - that Saturday - and they were all sick the next day.

"The police had not gone out by that point," she stated further.

The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was examining law enforcement's management of the events.

Mrs Prior explained the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so the stepson called the police a second time.

She explained Ruben then engaged in the "candy game" in a space of five children.