An individual who laced treats with sleeping medication and gave them to youngsters at a summer program in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two boys both between nine and ten.
The defendant was detained after eight children and one adult became sick at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he stood at the courthouse on Friday.
Nevertheless, he denied one particular crime he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody before a further hearing on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, handling the case, detailed the defendant's actions to the court.
She said his victims were under-privileged children who were participating in a youth camp which he managed.
Ruben conducted a "sweet game" with the minors, the prosecutor said, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and ask them to ingest treats "rapidly".
She told the court the man had played this game with the boys "repeatedly", and children had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She stated Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had concerns in July 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "In the summer" his stepson had suspicions about the activities, justifiably.
"They chose" to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC said materials including baby oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were located, and his stepchild notified the police about his concerns.
She stated the man proceeded to play the "candy game" with six youngsters that time - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that point," she stated further.
The oversight body, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
The legal representative said the children were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson notified the police again.
She stated the defendant then engaged in the "candy game" in a area of five children.
