An individual who laced candy with sedative and distributed them to children at a youth camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offences against two boys who were nine and 10.
The defendant was arrested after eight youngsters and a grown-up became sick at the facility in July.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at the judicial center on the end of the week.
However, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
The accused was held in detention prior to a subsequent court date on late November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, detailed Ruben's offending to the court.
She explained his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer program which he managed.
Ruben conducted a "treat game" with the children, the legal counsel stated, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to eat sweets "rapidly".
She stated to the judge the defendant had conducted this practice with the boys "repeatedly", and children had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She stated the man had been able to explain this for many years as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had worries in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "In the summer" his stepchild had suspicions about the activities, for good reason.
"They chose" to have a look in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC explained materials including infant oil, Vaseline and syringes were discovered, and his stepchild notified the authorities about his concerns.
She stated Ruben went on to engage in the "sweet game" with six children that night - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"The police had not gone out by that time," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was examining the police response of the events.
The legal representative said the minors were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so the family member contacted the police again.
She stated Ruben then conducted the "candy game" in a room of five youngsters.
