An individual who laced treats with sleeping medication and distributed them to children at a summer program in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offenses against two children both nine and ten years old.
The accused was taken into custody after eight youngsters and a grown-up became sick at the location in July.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Yet, he refused to admit one particular crime he was accused of, which was involving a young boy.
The defendant was kept in jail prior to a subsequent court date on late November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, described Ruben's offending to the court.
She said his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a youth camp which he operated.
Ruben played a "treat game" with the minors, Mrs Prior said, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the defendant had played this game with the children "for many years", and minors had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She stated Ruben had been able to explain this over a long period as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had suspicions in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "Recently" his stepchild had worries about the activities, for good reason.
"They decided to examine in the individual's items."
The prosecutor explained objects including lubricant, ointment and medical needles were found, and his family member alerted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She explained the man proceeded to play the "candy game" with six boys that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that point," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
The prosecutor explained the children were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson notified the authorities a second time.
She said the man then played the "treat game" in a room of five minors.
