A person who laced treats with sedative and gave them to youngsters at a summer camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offenses against two young males who were nine and 10.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight youngsters and a grown-up experienced illness at the location in July.
The 76-year-old, from that region, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the judicial center on the end of the week.
However, he refused to admit one particular crime he was accused of, which was involving a young boy.
The accused was held in detention prior to a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, described Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She stated his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer camp which he ran.
The defendant played a "treat game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were settling down and tell them to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings the man had engaged in this activity with the young males "for many years", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She said Ruben had been able to explain this repeatedly as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had worries in summer 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "In the summer" his stepchild had worries about the activities, for good reason.
"They resolved" to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC stated objects including infant oil, Vaseline and medical needles were discovered, and his family member alerted the law enforcement about his worries.
She said Ruben went on to conduct the "candy game" with six youngsters that evening - that Saturday - and they were all sick the next day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that point," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, had stated that it was investigating the police response of the situation.
Mrs Prior stated the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson called the law enforcement again.
She explained Ruben then conducted the "treat game" in a room of five minors.
