An individual who laced sweets with sedative and gave them to children at a summer camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offences against two children who were nine and 10.
The defendant was arrested after eight youngsters and one adult became sick at the location in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
However, he refused to admit one particular crime he was facing, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was remanded in custody prior to a further hearing on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, detailed the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She stated his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a youth camp which he ran.
The defendant engaged in a "treat game" with the minors, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to eat sweets "rapidly".
She stated to the judge the man had conducted this practice with the children "repeatedly", and children had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She explained Ruben had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had worries in summer 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "Recently" his stepson had concerns about what was going on, justifiably.
"They decided to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor explained materials including baby oil, ointment and medical needles were located, and his stepson contacted the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She said Ruben proceeded to engage in the "candy game" with six youngsters that time - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that stage," she added.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
The legal representative said the youngsters were struggling to walk due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson contacted the authorities a second time.
She explained Ruben then played the "candy game" in a room of five youngsters.
