An individual who laced candy with sleeping medication and distributed them to minors at a youth camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two young males both between nine and ten.
The defendant was arrested after eight minors and a grown-up fell ill at the location in July.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Nevertheless, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was involving a young boy.
The accused was remanded in custody ahead of a further hearing on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, detailed the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She stated his those affected were under-privileged children who were staying at a summer camp which he operated.
Ruben played a "treat game" with the minors, the legal counsel stated, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to eat sweets "rapidly".
She stated to the judge the man had engaged in this activity with the children "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously become sick the next day.
She said Ruben had been able to explain this repeatedly as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had concerns in July 2025.
The legal representative added: "This year his family member had concerns about the activities, justifiably.
"They chose" to have a look in the individual's items."
The legal counsel stated items including baby oil, Vaseline and injection devices were found, and his stepson contacted the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She said the defendant proceeded to play the "sweet game" with six children that time - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"The police had not gone out by that time," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, had stated that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
Mrs Prior explained the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the stepson called the law enforcement again.
She explained the man then played the "candy game" in a space of five youngsters.
