A person who spiked sweets with tranquilliser and distributed them to minors at a summer program in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual offences against two boys both between nine and ten.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight minors and an older person fell ill at the location in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Yet, he disputed a single sexual charge he was facing, which was against a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was remanded in custody ahead of a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, detailed the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She explained his targets were under-privileged children who were staying at a youth camp which he managed.
Ruben conducted a "candy game" with the children, the legal counsel said, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to eat sweets "rapidly".
She told the court the defendant had played this game with the children "over an extended period", and children had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She stated the defendant had been capable of justifying this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had concerns in summer 2025.
The legal representative added: "In the summer" his stepson had worries about the activities, with valid cause.
"They decided to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor stated objects including baby oil, ointment and injection devices were found, and his stepson notified the police about his concerns.
She stated the man proceeded to play the "sweet game" with six children that time - that Saturday - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that stage," she added.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was examining law enforcement's management of the events.
Mrs Prior said the children were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the stepson notified the police again.
She said the defendant then conducted the "candy game" in a area of five children.
