A man who spiked treats with sleeping medication and distributed them to youngsters at a summer camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two young males both nine and ten years old.
The accused was arrested after eight minors and an older person experienced illness at the facility in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
However, he denied one particular crime he was facing, which was concerning a young boy.
Ruben was kept in jail prior to a further hearing on 28 November.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, handling the case, outlined Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She explained his those affected were under-privileged children who were staying at a summer camp which he operated.
Ruben engaged in a "treat game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and request they to consume candy "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had engaged in this activity with the children "repeatedly", and children had previously fallen ill the next day.
She said Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had concerns in summer 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "This year his family member had concerns about the situation, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to examine in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC explained objects including infant oil, petroleum jelly and injection devices were located, and his family member alerted the authorities about his suspicions.
She said the defendant went on to play the "candy game" with six children that time - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that point," she added.
The oversight body, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was examining the police response of the events.
Mrs Prior stated the minors were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so the family member contacted the law enforcement again.
She explained Ruben then played the "treat game" in a space of five children.
