A man who laced treats with sedative and distributed them to youngsters at a summer camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two boys aged nine and ten years old.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight minors and a grown-up became sick at the facility in July.
The elderly man, from that region, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
However, he disputed one particular crime he was accused of, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was kept in jail ahead of a further hearing on late November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, described the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She said his victims were under-privileged children who were attending a youth camp which he ran.
The defendant engaged in a "candy game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel stated, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and request they to eat sweets "rapidly".
She stated to the judge the man had engaged in this activity with the children "over an extended period", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She stated Ruben had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had concerns in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "In the summer" his family member had concerns about the situation, justifiably.
"They resolved" to examine in the individual's items."
The prosecutor explained materials including baby oil, petroleum jelly and syringes were found, and his stepson contacted the law enforcement about his worries.
She explained the defendant proceeded to conduct the "treat game" with six youngsters that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that stage," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, had stated that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
The legal representative said the minors were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the stepson notified the police again.
She stated the defendant then engaged in the "candy game" in a area of five children.
