An individual who laced candy with sleeping medication and distributed them to minors at a youth camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offences against two boys both nine and 10.
The accused was detained after eight children and a grown-up became sick at the location in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from that region, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
However, he denied one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The accused was held in detention ahead of a subsequent court date on late November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, outlined the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She stated his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer camp which he ran.
The man played a "treat game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to ingest treats "rapidly".
She stated to the judge Ruben had conducted this practice with the children "repeatedly", and minors had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She said the man had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had concerns in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "Recently" his stepson had worries about what was going on, justifiably.
"They decided to have a look in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor stated materials including baby oil, ointment and medical needles were located, and his stepson contacted the police about his concerns.
She stated the defendant proceeded to conduct the "treat game" with six youngsters that evening - that Saturday - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that point," she added.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
Mrs Prior said the youngsters were struggling to walk due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson called the police a second time.
She said the man then engaged in the "sweet game" in a room of five minors.
