A man who contaminated sweets with sedative and distributed them to children at a youth camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offences against two young males who were nine and 10.
The defendant was arrested after eight minors and one adult experienced illness at the facility in July.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at the courthouse on Friday.
Nevertheless, he disputed one particular crime he was facing, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was remanded in custody ahead of a further hearing on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, detailed the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She stated his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a youth camp which he operated.
Ruben conducted a "treat game" with the minors, the legal counsel explained, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge Ruben had played this game with the boys "over an extended period", and children had previously become sick the next day.
She said Ruben had been able to explain this repeatedly as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had worries in July 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "Recently" his stepson had suspicions about the situation, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor explained objects including baby oil, ointment and medical needles were found, and his stepson contacted the authorities about his suspicions.
She stated Ruben went on to conduct the "sweet game" with six youngsters that night - July 26th - and they were all ill the next day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that stage," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
Mrs Prior said the minors were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson contacted the law enforcement once more.
She stated the defendant then conducted the "treat game" in a room of five children.
