A man who contaminated treats with sedative and gave them to children at a youth camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offenses 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 July.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the courthouse on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he denied a single sexual charge he was facing, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was kept in jail before a further hearing on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, outlined Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She stated his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a summer program which he managed.
The man engaged in a "candy game" with the children, the legal counsel explained, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and request they to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She told the court Ruben had played this game with the boys "for many years", and minors had previously become sick the next day.
She stated the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had worries in July 2025.
The legal representative continued: "This year his stepchild had concerns about the situation, with valid cause.
"They decided to have a look in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC stated materials including baby oil, ointment and syringes were found, and his stepson alerted the authorities about his suspicions.
She explained the defendant went on to conduct the "sweet game" with six children that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that stage," she continued.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the incident.
The legal representative said the children were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the family member notified the law enforcement once more.
She said the man then engaged in the "sweet game" in a room of five youngsters.
