An individual who laced treats with sedative and distributed them to children at a youth camp in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual crimes against two children who were between nine and ten.
The accused was detained after eight children and one adult experienced illness at the location in July.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
Yet, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
The accused was kept in jail before a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, detailed Ruben's offending to the court.
She stated his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer camp which he operated.
The defendant played a "treat game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel explained, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She told the court Ruben had conducted this practice with the boys "repeatedly", and children had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She said Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had worries in summer 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "Recently" his family member had suspicions about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to examine in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor stated items including infant oil, ointment and syringes were discovered, and his family member notified the police about his concerns.
She stated the defendant went on to play the "sweet game" with six youngsters that night - July 26th - and they were all ill the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that stage," she continued.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, previously told that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
Mrs Prior stated the minors were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson contacted the authorities again.
She said Ruben then conducted the "candy game" in a space of five youngsters.
