A man who laced candy with sleeping medication and gave them to minors at a youth camp in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual offenses against two children both between nine and ten.
The defendant was arrested after eight children and one adult experienced illness at the location in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
However, he denied one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was remanded in custody before a further hearing on November 28th.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, detailed the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She explained his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer camp which he managed.
The defendant conducted a "treat game" with the children, the prosecutor explained, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and tell them to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge the man had engaged in this activity with the young males "repeatedly", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She explained the defendant had been able to explain this for many years as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had concerns in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "Recently" his stepson had concerns about what was going on, justifiably.
"They decided to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC stated objects including lubricant, petroleum jelly and medical needles were discovered, and his stepson contacted the authorities about his concerns.
She explained the defendant continued to engage in the "treat game" with six children that night - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Authorities" had not responded by that stage," she stated further.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was reviewing the police response of the events.
The legal representative explained the children were struggling to walk due to being ill, so the family member called the law enforcement a second time.
She said Ruben then played the "sweet game" in a space of five minors.
