A person who spiked sweets with sleeping medication and gave them to children at a youth camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual crimes against two children both nine and ten years old.
The defendant was detained after eight youngsters and an older person experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in July.
The elderly man, from that region, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at the courthouse on Friday.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit one particular crime he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was held in detention prior to a further hearing on late November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, described Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She stated his targets were under-privileged children who were attending a youth camp which he operated.
The man played a "sweet game" with the children, the prosecutor said, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had played this game with the children "over an extended period", and minors had previously fallen ill the next day.
She stated Ruben had been able to explain this over a long period as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had worries in July 2025.
The legal representative added: "In the summer" his stepchild had concerns about the activities, for good reason.
"They resolved" to investigate in the individual's items."
The legal counsel explained items including infant oil, Vaseline and injection devices were discovered, and his stepson alerted the law enforcement about his worries.
She explained Ruben continued to conduct the "sweet game" with six youngsters that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that point," she added.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, had stated that it was investigating the police response of the situation.
The legal representative stated the minors were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so the family member notified the authorities a second time.
She said the man then played the "candy game" in a area of five minors.
