An individual who laced candy with tranquilliser and distributed them to youngsters at a youth camp in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual offences against two children who were nine and ten years old.
The defendant was detained after eight minors and one adult experienced illness at the location in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at the courthouse on Friday.
Yet, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was involving a young boy.
The defendant was kept in jail ahead of a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, outlined Ruben's offending to the court.
She stated his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a summer camp which he operated.
The man conducted a "candy game" with the minors, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to ingest treats "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings the man had engaged in this activity with the young males "for many years", and children had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She stated the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had concerns in July 2025.
The legal representative added: "In the summer" his stepson had worries about the situation, with valid cause.
"They chose" to investigate in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC said objects including infant oil, petroleum jelly and injection devices were located, and his stepson notified the police about his worries.
She explained the man continued to engage in the "candy game" with six boys that time - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Authorities" had not responded by that time," she added.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, had stated that it was examining law enforcement's management of the incident.
Mrs Prior stated the minors were struggling to walk due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson notified the police again.
She said the defendant then engaged in the "candy game" in a room of five children.
