An individual who spiked candy with tranquilliser and distributed them to minors at a summer camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two young males both nine and 10.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight children and one adult became sick at the facility in July.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Yet, he disputed one particular crime he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was held in detention prior to a further hearing on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, outlined Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She said his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a youth camp which he ran.
The man played a "treat game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor said, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge the defendant had engaged in this activity with the young males "repeatedly", and youngsters had previously become sick the next day.
She stated the defendant had been able to explain this over a long period as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had concerns in summer 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "Recently" his stepchild had suspicions about the activities, justifiably.
"They chose" to have a look in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC stated objects including lubricant, petroleum jelly and injection devices were found, and his stepchild contacted the police about his worries.
She explained the defendant proceeded to conduct the "sweet game" with six boys that evening - that Saturday - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"The police had not arrived by that stage," she added.
The oversight body, the investigative body, previously told that it was examining law enforcement's management of the events.
Mrs Prior said the minors were struggling to walk due to being ill, so the family member notified the police a second time.
She said the man then conducted the "sweet game" in a space of five minors.
