A man who contaminated treats with sleeping medication and gave them to minors at a youth camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two children who were nine and 10.
The accused was arrested after eight minors and an older person became sick at the location in July.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
Yet, he disputed a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was concerning a young boy.
The accused was remanded in custody ahead of a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, detailed the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She stated his those affected were under-privileged children who were staying at a summer program which he managed.
The man conducted a "candy game" with the minors, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and tell them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She told the court the defendant had engaged in this activity with the boys "for many years", and youngsters had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She stated Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had concerns in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "In the summer" his stepchild had worries about what was going on, justifiably.
"They chose" to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor explained objects including lubricant, ointment and medical needles were found, and his stepson notified the authorities about his worries.
She stated Ruben went on to conduct the "treat game" with six boys that time - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that point," she added.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was examining the police response of the situation.
Mrs Prior stated the children were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so the family member contacted the authorities a second time.
She explained the defendant then conducted the "candy game" in a area of five minors.
