An individual who laced sweets with sleeping medication and distributed them to minors at a youth camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offences against two young males aged between nine and ten.
The accused was detained after eight minors and a grown-up fell ill at the location in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he was present at the judicial center on Friday.
Yet, he disputed a single sexual charge he was facing, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
The accused was held in detention prior to a subsequent court date on late November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, outlined the defendant's actions to the court.
She stated his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a youth camp which he ran.
Ruben engaged in a "candy game" with the minors, the prosecutor explained, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to consume candy "rapidly".
She stated to the judge the defendant had played this game with the young males "for many years", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She stated the defendant had been able to explain this over a long period as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had worries in July 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "In the summer" his family member had concerns about the situation, justifiably.
"They decided to have a look in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC stated materials including baby oil, Vaseline and medical needles were found, and his family member contacted the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She said the defendant went on to play the "treat game" with six youngsters that evening - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"The police had not arrived by that stage," she continued.
The oversight body, the investigative body, had stated that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
Mrs Prior stated the minors were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the stepson contacted the authorities a second time.
She said the defendant then played the "treat game" in a area of five minors.
