A man who spiked treats with sedative and distributed them to youngsters at a youth camp in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual offences against two children both nine and ten years old.
The defendant was detained after eight minors and one adult experienced illness at the facility in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
However, he denied one particular crime he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was remanded in custody before a further hearing on late November.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, handling the case, detailed the criminal behavior to the court.
She stated his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a youth camp which he operated.
The man conducted a "sweet game" with the children, the prosecutor stated, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and request they to ingest treats "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had played this game with the boys "over an extended period", and children had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She said Ruben had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had suspicions in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "Recently" his stepson had suspicions about the situation, for good reason.
"They decided to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel said materials including lubricant, petroleum jelly and syringes were found, and his stepson notified the police about his suspicions.
She stated Ruben proceeded to play the "sweet game" with six children that time - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that time," she added.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, previously told that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
Mrs Prior explained the children were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the stepson notified the police again.
She stated Ruben then conducted the "candy game" in a room of five youngsters.
