A man who spiked sweets with sedative and gave them to minors at a youth camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offences against two children both between nine and ten.
The accused was arrested after eight minors and one adult experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at the courthouse on the end of the week.
However, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was involving a young boy.
The accused was held in detention prior to a subsequent court date on late November.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, outlined Ruben's offending to the court.
She stated his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a youth camp which he managed.
Ruben engaged in a "candy game" with the children, the prosecutor said, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to ingest treats "rapidly".
She stated to the judge the defendant had engaged in this activity with the children "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She explained the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had worries in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "In the summer" his stepchild had concerns about what was going on, for good reason.
"They decided to examine in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor said materials including lubricant, petroleum jelly and injection devices were found, and his stepson contacted the police about his suspicions.
She stated the defendant proceeded to play the "sweet game" with six children that evening - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that time," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, had stated that it was investigating the police response of the events.
The prosecutor explained the youngsters were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson called the authorities a second time.
She explained Ruben then played the "candy game" in a area of five children.
