A man who laced candy with tranquilliser and gave them to youngsters at a summer camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two children who were nine and 10.
The accused was arrested after eight youngsters and one adult experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in July.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
However, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was concerning a young boy.
The accused was kept in jail before a further hearing on late November.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, outlined Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She said his those affected were under-privileged children who were attending a summer program which he ran.
The man engaged in a "treat game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor said, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge the defendant had engaged in this activity with the young males "for many years", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the next day.
She explained the man had been able to explain this repeatedly as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had worries in summer 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "Recently" his family member had concerns about the activities, justifiably.
"They decided to examine in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC stated materials including lubricant, ointment and syringes were discovered, and his family member notified the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She explained the man proceeded to play the "treat game" with six boys that night - that Saturday - and they were all ill the following morning.
"Authorities" had not responded by that time," she added.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, had stated that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
Mrs Prior said the children were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the stepson contacted the police again.
She explained Ruben then engaged in the "candy game" in a area of five youngsters.
