An individual who spiked candy with tranquilliser and provided them to youngsters at a summer camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offenses against two children aged nine and 10.
The defendant was arrested after eight children and one adult became sick at the location in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the courthouse on Friday.
Yet, he denied one particular crime he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody before a subsequent court date on late November.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, handling the case, described the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She stated his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer program which he managed.
Ruben played a "sweet game" with the children, the prosecutor said, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge the man had conducted this practice with the boys "for many years", and youngsters had previously become sick the following morning.
She said Ruben had been able to explain this repeatedly as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had concerns in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "This year his stepson had worries about what was going on, justifiably.
"They decided to examine in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel said items including lubricant, Vaseline and medical needles were located, and his stepson alerted the authorities about his worries.
She said Ruben proceeded to engage in the "sweet game" with six children that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"The police had not gone out by that point," she continued.
The oversight body, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was examining the police response of the incident.
Mrs Prior explained the minors were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson contacted the police a second time.
She explained the man then engaged in the "sweet game" in a room of five minors.
