An individual who spiked treats with tranquilliser and gave them to youngsters at a youth camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offenses against two children aged nine and 10.
The defendant was detained after eight youngsters and one adult experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
However, he disputed one particular crime he was facing, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was remanded in custody prior to a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, outlined Ruben's offending to the court.
She stated his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a youth camp which he managed.
The defendant conducted a "candy game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel said, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge the defendant had conducted this practice with the young males "for many years", and children had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She stated the man had been capable of justifying this repeatedly as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had concerns in July 2025.
The legal representative continued: "This year his stepson had worries about the activities, with valid cause.
"They chose" to investigate in the individual's items."
The legal counsel stated objects including lubricant, Vaseline and syringes were discovered, and his family member alerted the law enforcement about his worries.
She stated Ruben continued to conduct the "sweet game" with six children that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that time," she added.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
The legal representative stated the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so the family member contacted the authorities once more.
She said Ruben then played the "treat game" in a area of five youngsters.
