A man who contaminated candy with sedative and gave them to children at a youth camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offences against two children both nine and 10.
The accused was taken into custody after eight children and an older person experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in July.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at the courthouse on the end of the week.
However, he disputed a single sexual charge he was facing, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody ahead of a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, described the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She explained his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a youth camp which he managed.
The defendant played a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel explained, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to ingest treats "rapidly".
She stated to the judge the defendant had played this game with the children "repeatedly", and children had previously become sick the next day.
She stated the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had suspicions in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "In the summer" his stepson had worries about the situation, justifiably.
"They decided to examine in the individual's items."
The prosecutor said items including baby oil, ointment and syringes were found, and his stepchild contacted the authorities about his worries.
She stated Ruben proceeded to play the "candy game" with six children that evening - that Saturday - and they were all ill the following morning.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that stage," she added.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was investigating the police response of the situation.
The legal representative stated the youngsters were struggling to walk due to their condition, so the stepson contacted the law enforcement again.
She explained the defendant then conducted the "treat game" in a room of five minors.
