A person who spiked sweets with tranquilliser and distributed them to youngsters at a summer camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offences against two young males who were nine and 10.
The accused was arrested after eight minors and a grown-up became sick at the facility in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Yet, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was held in detention before a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, described the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She said his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a youth camp which he managed.
The defendant played a "sweet game" with the children, the legal counsel said, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and request they to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She told the court Ruben had conducted this practice with the boys "for many years", and minors had previously fallen ill the next day.
She stated the defendant had been able to explain this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had concerns in summer 2025.
The legal representative added: "This year his family member had concerns about the situation, with valid cause.
"They chose" to have a look in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC said materials including infant oil, Vaseline and syringes were discovered, and his family member alerted the police about his concerns.
She stated Ruben proceeded to play the "candy game" with six youngsters that evening - that Saturday - and they were all ill the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that time," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, previously told that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
The prosecutor said the children were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson contacted the law enforcement again.
She explained the man then engaged in the "candy game" in a space of five minors.
