A person who contaminated sweets with tranquilliser and gave them to youngsters at a youth camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two young males who were nine and 10.
The accused was taken into custody after eight children and one adult experienced illness at the location in July.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he stood at the judicial center on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he disputed a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was involving a young boy.
The accused was held in detention before a further hearing on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, outlined the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She explained his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer camp which he managed.
Ruben engaged in a "treat game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel explained, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had engaged in this activity with the boys "repeatedly", and children had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She explained the defendant had been able to explain this for many years as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had worries in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "This year his stepchild had suspicions about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They decided to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor explained items including lubricant, petroleum jelly and injection devices were found, and his stepchild alerted the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She said the man proceeded to conduct the "candy game" with six children that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the next day.
"The police had not arrived by that point," she added.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, previously told that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
The legal representative stated the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson notified the police a second time.
She said Ruben then played the "sweet game" in a area of five youngsters.
