A person who contaminated treats with sedative and distributed them to minors at a summer camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offenses against two boys who were between nine and ten.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight children and a grown-up experienced illness at the facility in July.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the courthouse on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit one particular crime he was charged with, which was involving a young boy.
The accused was held in detention before a further hearing on late November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, described the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She said his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a youth camp which he managed.
The man engaged in a "candy game" with the minors, the legal counsel explained, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had conducted this practice with the boys "repeatedly", and children had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She stated the defendant had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had concerns in summer 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "Recently" his family member had concerns about the activities, with valid cause.
"They chose" to investigate in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor stated objects including infant oil, petroleum jelly and injection devices were discovered, and his stepson contacted the police about his worries.
She stated the defendant proceeded to engage in the "candy game" with six youngsters that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that point," she added.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was examining law enforcement's management of the situation.
The legal representative explained the children were struggling to walk due to being ill, so the family member notified the authorities again.
She said Ruben then played the "sweet game" in a space of five minors.
