An individual who contaminated candy with sedative and gave them to children at a youth camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two children aged between nine and ten.
The accused was arrested after eight minors and an older person experienced illness at the location in July.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
However, he disputed a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was against a young boy.
The defendant was held in detention prior to a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, described the defendant's actions to the court.
She stated his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a youth camp which he managed.
The man played a "sweet game" with the children, the legal counsel said, in which he would go into the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and request they to eat sweets "rapidly".
She stated to the judge Ruben had engaged in this activity with the young males "over an extended period", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She explained Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had concerns in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "In the summer" his stepson had suspicions about the situation, with valid cause.
"They decided to investigate in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC said objects including lubricant, ointment and medical needles were located, and his stepson alerted the police about his suspicions.
She said the defendant went on to conduct the "sweet game" with six children that evening - that Saturday - and they were all sick the following morning.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that stage," she added.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, previously told that it was examining law enforcement's management of the events.
Mrs Prior said the minors were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the stepson contacted the law enforcement a second time.
She said Ruben then conducted the "treat game" in a space of five youngsters.
