A man who laced candy with tranquilliser and provided them to children at a summer camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two young males who were between nine and ten.
The defendant was detained after eight children and one adult experienced illness at the facility in mid-summer.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the courthouse on Friday.
Yet, he denied one particular crime he was accused of, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was held in detention prior to a further hearing on November 28th.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, detailed the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She explained his targets were under-privileged children who were attending a youth camp which he managed.
The defendant conducted a "candy game" with the children, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and ask them to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge Ruben had conducted this practice with the boys "over an extended period", and minors had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She stated the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had concerns in July 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "In the summer" his family member had concerns about the activities, justifiably.
"They decided to investigate in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC said items including baby oil, ointment and syringes were discovered, and his stepson notified the authorities about his concerns.
She explained the man went on to play the "candy game" with six boys that night - that Saturday - and they were all sick the next day.
"The police had not gone out by that point," she added.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, had stated that it was examining law enforcement's management of the incident.
The legal representative said the children were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson notified the law enforcement a second time.
She said Ruben then played the "treat game" in a room of five minors.
