A man who laced sweets with sedative and distributed them to youngsters at a youth camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two boys who were nine and ten years old.
The accused was taken into custody after eight minors and a grown-up fell ill at the facility 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 the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he disputed a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was held in detention prior to a subsequent court date on late November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, outlined the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She stated his victims were under-privileged children who were attending a youth camp which he ran.
The defendant conducted a "treat game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel explained, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She told the court the defendant had conducted this practice with the boys "over an extended period", and children had previously fallen ill the next day.
She explained Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had worries in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "In the summer" his family member had suspicions about the activities, for good reason.
"They decided to have a look in the individual's items."
The prosecutor said items including baby oil, ointment and syringes were located, and his stepchild notified the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She explained the defendant proceeded to play the "candy game" with six boys that time - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that stage," she continued.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, previously told that it was reviewing the police response of the situation.
Mrs Prior stated the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the family member notified the police a second time.
She explained Ruben then conducted the "candy game" in a area of five children.
