A person who spiked sweets with sedative and distributed them to youngsters at a youth camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offenses against two young males both nine and ten years old.
The accused was detained after eight minors and a grown-up fell ill at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the courthouse on Friday.
Nevertheless, he denied one particular crime he was charged with, which was against a young boy.
The accused was held in detention prior to a further hearing on November 28th.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, outlined the defendant's actions to the court.
She explained his victims were under-privileged children who were participating in a summer camp which he operated.
The defendant played a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor said, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the defendant had conducted this practice with the young males "for many years", and children had previously become sick the following morning.
She explained Ruben had been capable of justifying this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had suspicions in summer 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "In the summer" his stepson had concerns about the activities, for good reason.
"They decided to examine in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel said items including baby oil, ointment and syringes were discovered, and his stepchild alerted the authorities about his suspicions.
She said the man went on to conduct the "treat game" with six boys that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the following morning.
"The police had not responded by that time," she added.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, previously told that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
The prosecutor explained the minors were struggling to walk due to their condition, so the stepson contacted the police again.
She stated Ruben then engaged in the "candy game" in a space of five youngsters.
