A man who laced sweets with sleeping medication and provided them to youngsters at a summer camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offenses against two young males both nine and 10.
The accused was detained after eight children and a grown-up experienced illness at the location in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at the courthouse on the end of the week.
However, he disputed a single sexual charge he was facing, which was involving a young boy.
The defendant was kept in jail ahead of a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, detailed Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She stated his victims were under-privileged children who were participating in a youth camp which he managed.
The man engaged in a "sweet game" with the children, the legal counsel explained, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and request they to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings the man had engaged in this activity with the children "over an extended period", and minors had previously fallen ill the next day.
She said the defendant had been able to explain this over a long period as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had concerns in summer 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "In the summer" his stepchild had suspicions about the activities, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to examine in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC explained materials including baby oil, petroleum jelly and injection devices were found, and his family member contacted the police about his suspicions.
She stated Ruben continued to engage in the "treat game" with six boys that night - that Saturday - and they were all ill the following morning.
"Authorities" had not responded by that point," she continued.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
The legal representative stated the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the stepson notified the police again.
She said Ruben then played the "treat game" in a area of five minors.
