An individual who spiked treats with sedative and distributed them to youngsters at a youth camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offences against two children aged between nine and ten.
The accused was detained after eight children and an older person experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
However, he disputed a single sexual charge he was facing, which was against a young boy.
The accused was held in detention prior to a further hearing on late November.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, handling the case, outlined the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She stated his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer camp which he operated.
Ruben conducted a "candy game" with the minors, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and request they to eat sweets "rapidly".
She told the court the defendant had engaged in this activity with the children "repeatedly", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She stated the man had been capable of justifying this for many years as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had worries in summer 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "This year his stepchild had suspicions about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC said items including infant oil, petroleum jelly and syringes were located, and his family member contacted the police about his suspicions.
She explained the man proceeded to engage in the "candy game" with six boys that night - that Saturday - and they were all ill the next day.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that point," she added.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, had stated that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the situation.
Mrs Prior stated the children were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the stepson contacted the law enforcement once more.
She stated Ruben then engaged in the "candy game" in a space of five children.
