A person who contaminated treats with sedative and provided them to minors at a summer camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two young males who were between nine and ten.
The defendant was detained after eight minors and one adult became sick at Stathern Lodge in July.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he denied one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody before a additional proceeding on late November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, detailed the defendant's actions to the court.
She stated his those affected were under-privileged children who were attending a youth camp which he managed.
The man engaged in a "candy game" with the minors, the prosecutor stated, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to ingest treats "rapidly".
She told the court the man had played this game with the children "repeatedly", and children had previously become sick the next day.
She said Ruben had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had concerns in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "Recently" his stepson had suspicions about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to examine in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor stated materials including infant oil, ointment and medical needles were found, and his stepson contacted the authorities about his suspicions.
She stated Ruben went on to conduct the "sweet game" with six youngsters that night - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that point," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was examining the police response of the events.
Mrs Prior stated the children were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so the stepson notified the police once more.
She explained Ruben then engaged in the "candy game" in a space of five youngsters.
