A person who spiked treats with tranquilliser and gave them to children at a youth camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two young males both nine and 10.
The defendant was detained after eight minors and an older person became sick at the location in July.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Yet, he disputed a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was involving a young boy.
The accused was held in detention ahead of a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, outlined the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She said his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a youth camp which he operated.
The man engaged in a "candy game" with the minors, the prosecutor stated, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and request they to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge Ruben had engaged in this activity with the boys "over an extended period", and children had previously become sick the following morning.
She stated Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had suspicions in summer 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "In the summer" his stepson had suspicions about the situation, for good reason.
"They decided to investigate in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor said items including baby oil, ointment and syringes were located, and his stepchild alerted the authorities about his concerns.
She explained the man proceeded to engage in the "sweet game" with six children that evening - that Saturday - and they were all ill the next day.
"The police had not gone out by that time," she stated further.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was examining law enforcement's management of the incident.
Mrs Prior stated the children were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the family member called the police a second time.
She said the defendant then engaged in the "treat game" in a room of five minors.
