A man who laced sweets with sleeping medication and provided them to minors at a youth camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual crimes against two children aged between nine and ten.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight children and one adult fell ill at Stathern Lodge in July.
The 76-year-old, from that region, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at the courthouse on Friday.
However, he denied one particular crime he was charged with, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was kept in jail prior to a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, outlined Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She said his those affected were under-privileged children who were participating in a youth camp which he operated.
The defendant conducted a "treat game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to ingest treats "rapidly".
She stated to the judge Ruben had played this game with the young males "over an extended period", and minors had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She explained Ruben had been able to explain this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had worries in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "Recently" his stepchild had suspicions about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to investigate in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel stated objects including lubricant, Vaseline and syringes were located, and his stepson alerted the police about his worries.
She said the man went on to play the "sweet game" with six children that evening - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Authorities" had not responded by that point," she added.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, had stated that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
The legal representative said the youngsters were struggling to walk due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson notified the authorities a second time.
She stated Ruben then played the "treat game" in a space of five children.
