An individual who contaminated treats with tranquilliser and gave them to minors at a youth camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two young males who were between nine and ten.
The defendant was arrested after eight minors and a grown-up fell ill at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
However, he refused to admit one particular crime he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was kept in jail before a further hearing on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, handling the case, described Ruben's offending to the court.
She said his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a youth camp which he managed.
The defendant played a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel stated, in which he would go into the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and tell them to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge Ruben had conducted this practice with the children "over an extended period", and children had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She said the defendant had been able to explain this over a long period as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had worries in summer 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "This year his family member had concerns about what was going on, for good reason.
"They resolved" to examine in the individual's items."
The prosecutor said materials including infant oil, Vaseline and injection devices were discovered, and his family member notified the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She said the man went on to engage in the "treat game" with six youngsters that time - that Saturday - and they were all sick the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that time," she continued.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the events.
The prosecutor explained the minors were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the stepson contacted the law enforcement again.
She stated the defendant then engaged in the "candy game" in a room of five youngsters.
