A man who laced treats with sleeping medication and gave them to children at a summer camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offences against two young males both between nine and ten.
The defendant was arrested after eight minors and a grown-up became sick at the facility in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he was present at the judicial center on Friday.
However, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was involving a young boy.
The defendant was held in detention before a subsequent court date on late November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, detailed the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She stated his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer camp which he managed.
Ruben played a "treat game" with the minors, the legal counsel said, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to eat sweets "rapidly".
She stated to the judge the defendant had conducted this practice with the boys "for many years", and children had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She stated the man had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had worries in summer 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "This year his family member had worries about the situation, justifiably.
"They chose" to investigate in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor stated objects including baby oil, Vaseline and medical needles were found, and his stepson notified the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She stated the defendant proceeded to engage in the "sweet game" with six children that evening - that Saturday - and they were all ill the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that stage," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, previously told that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the situation.
The prosecutor said the children were struggling to walk due to being ill, so the family member contacted the authorities once more.
She stated Ruben then engaged in the "sweet game" in a room of five minors.
