An individual who contaminated treats with sedative and provided them to children at a youth camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offenses against two boys aged nine and 10.
The defendant was arrested after eight youngsters and a grown-up experienced illness at Stathern Lodge 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 refused to admit a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody before a further hearing on 28 November.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, outlined the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She said his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a youth camp which he operated.
The defendant conducted a "treat game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel said, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and ask them to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge Ruben had played this game with the children "over an extended period", and minors had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She stated Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had concerns in July 2025.
The prosecutor added: "In the summer" his family member had suspicions about what was going on, for good reason.
"They chose" to examine in the individual's items."
The prosecutor stated objects including infant oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were found, and his stepchild contacted the police about his worries.
She explained the man proceeded to engage in the "candy game" with six youngsters that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"The police had not arrived by that stage," she stated further.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, had stated that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the events.
The prosecutor explained the children were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the stepson called the law enforcement again.
She explained Ruben then engaged in the "sweet game" in a area of five minors.
