A person who laced treats with tranquilliser and provided them to children at a summer camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offences against two young males both nine and 10.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight children and a grown-up experienced illness at the location in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at the courthouse on the end of the week.
However, he disputed a single sexual charge he was facing, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was remanded in custody prior to a further hearing on late November.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, described Ruben's offending to the court.
She explained his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a youth camp which he managed.
Ruben engaged in a "candy game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor stated, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge the man had engaged in this activity with the children "for many years", and youngsters had previously become sick the next day.
She said the man had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had worries in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "This year his family member had worries about the situation, for good reason.
"They chose" to examine in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor said items including baby oil, petroleum jelly and syringes were discovered, and his family member notified the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She explained the defendant continued to engage in the "treat game" with six youngsters that evening - July 26th - and they were all ill the next day.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that point," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, had stated that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
Mrs Prior said the minors were struggling to walk due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson notified the police once more.
She said the man then played the "sweet game" in a room of five children.
