A man who laced treats with sedative and distributed them to minors at a youth camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offenses against two boys who were nine and ten years old.
The defendant was detained after eight minors and one adult became sick at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
However, he refused to admit one particular crime he was facing, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was remanded in custody prior to a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, outlined Ruben's offending to the court.
She stated his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a summer camp which he operated.
The defendant engaged in a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor stated, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She told the court the defendant had engaged in this activity with the children "repeatedly", and minors had previously become sick the next day.
She stated the defendant had been able to explain this for many years as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had concerns in summer 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "Recently" his stepchild had suspicions about the situation, justifiably.
"They decided to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor explained materials including lubricant, ointment and medical needles were found, and his stepson alerted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She said the defendant continued to engage in the "candy game" with six boys that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that point," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the events.
Mrs Prior said the minors were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so the stepson called the authorities again.
She said the man then conducted the "sweet game" in a space of five youngsters.
