A man who laced sweets with sleeping medication and gave them to youngsters at a summer camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two children who were nine and 10.
The defendant was arrested after eight children and an older person became sick at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was concerning a young boy.
The accused was remanded in custody prior to a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, described Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She said his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a youth camp which he managed.
Ruben played a "treat game" with the minors, the prosecutor stated, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to eat sweets "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had played this game with the children "over an extended period", and minors had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She stated Ruben had been capable of justifying this for many years as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had worries in July 2025.
The legal representative added: "In the summer" his stepchild had concerns about the activities, for good reason.
"They decided to examine in the individual's items."
The legal counsel explained objects including infant oil, petroleum jelly and syringes were found, and his family member alerted the law enforcement about his worries.
She stated the defendant continued to conduct the "candy game" with six boys that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that time," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, previously told that it was reviewing the police response of the events.
Mrs Prior said the youngsters were struggling to walk due to their condition, so the stepson called the authorities once more.
She explained the defendant then engaged in the "sweet game" in a space of five children.
