A man who spiked candy with tranquilliser and distributed them to minors at a youth camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two young males both between nine and ten.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight minors and an older person fell ill at the location in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody prior to a further hearing on November 28th.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, outlined Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She explained his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a youth camp which he ran.
The man conducted a "candy game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel explained, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and request they to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had played this game with the children "repeatedly", and minors had previously fallen ill the next day.
She said the defendant had been capable of justifying this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had concerns in summer 2025.
The legal representative continued: "Recently" his family member had worries about the activities, justifiably.
"They resolved" to have a look in the individual's items."
The prosecutor said items including infant oil, Vaseline and injection devices were located, and his stepchild contacted the police about his suspicions.
She said Ruben continued to conduct the "sweet game" with six children that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the next day.
"The police had not arrived by that point," she added.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was investigating the police response of the events.
Mrs Prior explained the minors were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so the family member notified the law enforcement again.
She stated the defendant then conducted the "treat game" in a area of five youngsters.
