An individual who contaminated sweets with tranquilliser and gave them to children at a youth camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offenses against two children both between nine and ten.
The accused was detained after eight children and an older person experienced illness at the facility in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
However, he denied one particular crime he was charged with, which was involving a young boy.
The accused was remanded in custody before a subsequent court date on late November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, outlined the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She stated his victims were under-privileged children who were participating in a youth camp which he managed.
Ruben conducted a "sweet game" with the minors, the prosecutor said, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were settling down and request they to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She told the court the defendant had engaged in this activity with the boys "for many years", and youngsters had previously become sick the following morning.
She said the man had been able to explain this repeatedly as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had concerns in July 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "This year his stepson had concerns about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC stated items including lubricant, ointment and medical needles were found, and his stepson alerted the law enforcement about his worries.
She explained Ruben went on to play the "candy game" with six youngsters that evening - July 26th - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that stage," she continued.
The oversight body, the investigative body, had stated that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the incident.
The prosecutor said the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson called the law enforcement a second time.
She said the man then engaged in the "treat game" in a room of five children.
