A man who laced candy with tranquilliser and distributed them to children at a summer camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two children who were nine and ten years old.
The defendant was arrested after eight minors and one adult fell ill at the facility in the summer month.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the courthouse on Friday.
Yet, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was against a young boy.
The accused was kept in jail prior to a subsequent court date on late November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, outlined the criminal behavior to the court.
She said his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer program which he ran.
The defendant engaged in a "candy game" with the children, Mrs Prior said, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and request they to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the man had played this game with the young males "for many years", and children had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She stated Ruben had been able to explain this for many years as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had suspicions in July 2025.
The legal representative added: "In the summer" his stepson had suspicions about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They decided to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel said materials including lubricant, ointment and medical needles were found, and his stepson contacted the authorities about his suspicions.
She explained Ruben continued to play the "treat game" with six youngsters that night - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"The police had not arrived by that stage," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the events.
The prosecutor stated the minors were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the family member contacted the police once more.
She stated Ruben then played the "sweet game" in a space of five youngsters.