A man who contaminated candy with sedative and gave them to minors at a youth camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two young males both nine and 10.
The defendant was arrested after eight children and a grown-up became sick at Stathern Lodge in July.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he stood at the judicial center on Friday.
However, he refused to admit one particular crime he was accused of, which was concerning a young boy.
The accused was kept in jail prior to a additional proceeding on late November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, detailed the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She stated his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer camp which he managed.
Ruben played a "candy game" with the children, Mrs Prior said, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were settling down and ask them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings the man had conducted this practice with the young males "for many years", and minors had previously fallen ill the next day.
She explained Ruben had been able to explain this over a long period as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had suspicions in July 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "This year his stepson had suspicions about what was going on, justifiably.
"They decided to examine in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel stated materials including lubricant, petroleum jelly and syringes were located, and his stepchild notified the law enforcement about his concerns.
She explained the defendant went on to engage in the "treat game" with six youngsters that night - that Saturday - and they were all ill the next day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that stage," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, previously told that it was investigating the police response of the situation.
Mrs Prior stated the minors were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so the stepson contacted the authorities once more.
She explained the man then engaged in the "treat game" in a area of five minors.
