A man who contaminated treats with tranquilliser and distributed them to minors at a youth camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offences against two young males who were nine and ten years old.
The defendant was arrested after eight children and an older person experienced illness at the location in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Yet, he denied one particular crime he was facing, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was remanded in custody ahead of a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, outlined the defendant's actions to the court.
She explained his those affected were under-privileged children who were participating in a summer program which he operated.
Ruben played a "candy game" with the minors, the prosecutor said, in which he would go into the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge Ruben had conducted this practice with the children "over an extended period", and children had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She stated the man had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had concerns in summer 2025.
The legal representative added: "In the summer" his stepson had worries about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to investigate in the individual's items."
The legal counsel stated objects including infant oil, Vaseline and injection devices were located, and his family member alerted the police about his worries.
She explained the man proceeded to engage in the "treat game" with six boys that time - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that time," she added.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, had stated that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
The legal representative explained the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson notified the police a second time.
She said Ruben then engaged in the "candy game" in a area of five minors.
