A person who laced sweets with sleeping medication and distributed them to minors at a summer camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two children both nine and ten years old.
The accused was detained after eight children and a grown-up experienced illness at the location in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from that region, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Yet, he disputed one particular crime he was charged with, which was involving a young boy.
The accused was held in detention before a subsequent court date on late November.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, outlined the criminal behavior to the court.
She stated his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a summer program which he managed.
The man engaged in a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel said, in which he would go into the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge Ruben had engaged in this activity with the boys "repeatedly", and youngsters had previously become sick the next day.
She explained the man had been able to explain this for many years as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had suspicions in July 2025.
The prosecutor added: "In the summer" his stepson had suspicions about what was going on, justifiably.
"They resolved" to examine in the individual's items."
The legal counsel stated materials including baby oil, Vaseline and syringes were discovered, and his stepchild contacted the police about his concerns.
She said Ruben proceeded to play the "treat game" with six children that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"The police had not arrived by that point," she continued.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, previously told that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the situation.
Mrs Prior stated the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so the stepson contacted the authorities again.
She said Ruben then engaged in the "treat game" in a area of five minors.
