An individual who laced sweets with sedative and gave them to youngsters at a summer camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offenses against two children who were nine and 10.
The accused was arrested after eight minors and an older person experienced illness at the location in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he stood at the judicial center on the end of the week.
Yet, he disputed a single sexual charge he was facing, which was concerning a young boy.
The defendant was held in detention ahead of a subsequent court date on late November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, described Ruben's offending to the court.
She said his targets were under-privileged children who were participating in a summer program which he managed.
The defendant played a "candy game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor said, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to consume candy "rapidly".
She told the court Ruben had played this game with the children "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously become sick the following morning.
She explained Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had suspicions in summer 2025.
The prosecutor added: "In the summer" his family member had concerns about the activities, with valid cause.
"They decided to investigate in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC said objects including baby oil, Vaseline and injection devices were found, and his stepson notified the authorities about his concerns.
She said Ruben proceeded to engage in the "treat game" with six children that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that stage," she added.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, had stated that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the incident.
Mrs Prior said the minors were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson contacted the law enforcement a second time.
She said Ruben then played the "sweet game" in a space of five youngsters.
