A person who laced candy with sleeping medication and gave them to minors at a summer camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two children aged nine and ten years old.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight children and a grown-up became sick at Stathern Lodge in July.
The 76-year-old, from that region, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
However, he denied one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was held in detention before a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, outlined the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She stated his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a youth camp which he managed.
Ruben engaged in a "treat game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor said, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to consume candy "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings the man had engaged in this activity with the children "over an extended period", and children had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She explained the man had been able to explain this for many years as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had suspicions in July 2025.
The legal representative added: "Recently" his stepchild had suspicions about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They chose" to have a look in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC stated items including infant oil, Vaseline and syringes were located, and his stepchild contacted the authorities about his suspicions.
She stated the defendant went on to engage in the "candy game" with six children that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"The police had not gone out by that stage," she added.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
The legal representative explained the minors were struggling to walk due to their condition, so the family member notified the authorities again.
She stated the man then conducted the "treat game" in a space of five children.
