A person who laced treats with sedative and distributed them to youngsters at a summer program in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offences against two children who were between nine and ten.
The accused was arrested after eight youngsters and an older person experienced illness at the location in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Yet, he disputed one particular crime he was facing, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody before a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, outlined Ruben's offending to the court.
She explained his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a youth camp which he operated.
The man conducted a "sweet game" with the children, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and tell them to consume candy "rapidly".
She told the court the man had engaged in this activity with the children "over an extended period", and children had previously fallen ill the next day.
She stated Ruben had been able to explain this over a long period as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had worries in summer 2025.
The legal representative continued: "Recently" his stepson had worries about the activities, justifiably.
"They chose" to examine in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC explained items including baby oil, ointment and injection devices were located, and his stepchild alerted the police about his concerns.
She said Ruben proceeded to engage in the "sweet game" with six boys that night - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"The police had not responded by that stage," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, previously told that it was examining law enforcement's management of the situation.
The prosecutor explained the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the stepson contacted the police again.
She stated Ruben then conducted the "treat game" in a room of five youngsters.
