An individual who laced treats with sedative and gave them to youngsters at a summer camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two children aged between nine and ten.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight minors and one adult experienced illness at the facility in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from that region, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Nevertheless, he denied one particular crime he was accused of, which was against a young boy.
The defendant was held in detention ahead of a further hearing on late November.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, outlined the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She said his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a summer camp which he managed.
Ruben conducted a "candy game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior said, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and request they to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge Ruben had played this game with the boys "over an extended period", and minors had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She explained the man had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had worries in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "This year his family member had worries about the situation, justifiably.
"They chose" to have a look in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC said materials including baby oil, petroleum jelly and syringes were found, and his stepchild contacted the police about his concerns.
She said the defendant proceeded to conduct the "candy game" with six youngsters that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the following morning.
"Authorities" had not responded by that time," she continued.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
Mrs Prior said the children were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson notified the law enforcement once more.
She said the man then conducted the "candy game" in a space of five youngsters.
