A person who laced sweets with tranquilliser and provided them to children at a youth camp in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual offences against two boys both nine and 10.
The defendant was arrested after eight children and one adult experienced illness at the location in July.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at the judicial center on recently.
Yet, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody before a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, outlined Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She explained his victims were under-privileged children who were attending a summer program which he managed.
The defendant played a "candy game" with the minors, the prosecutor said, in which he would go into the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and ask them to ingest treats "rapidly".
She stated to the judge the defendant had played this game with the children "for many years", and minors had previously become sick the following morning.
She explained the man had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had worries in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "This year his stepchild had concerns about the situation, with valid cause.
"They chose" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor said items including baby oil, petroleum jelly and injection devices were found, and his family member contacted the authorities about his concerns.
She stated Ruben went on to conduct the "candy game" with six youngsters that night - that Saturday - and they were all sick the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that time," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, had stated that it was examining law enforcement's management of the incident.
Mrs Prior stated the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson notified the law enforcement a second time.
She stated Ruben then engaged in the "candy game" in a space of five children.
