An individual who spiked treats with sedative and gave them to minors at a summer camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offences against two young males who were nine and 10.
The accused was detained after eight youngsters and an older person fell ill at Stathern Lodge in July.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Yet, he disputed a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody before a additional proceeding on late November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, detailed the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She stated his targets were under-privileged children who were staying at a summer camp which he operated.
Ruben played a "treat game" with the minors, the legal counsel explained, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and ask them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She told the court the defendant had conducted this practice with the boys "over an extended period", and minors had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She explained the defendant had been able to explain this over a long period as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had suspicions in July 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "This year his family member had concerns about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They chose" to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC explained items including lubricant, petroleum jelly and syringes were found, and his stepson contacted the law enforcement about his worries.
She said the man went on to conduct the "sweet game" with six youngsters that evening - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that stage," she added.
The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
The legal representative said the minors were struggling to walk due to being ill, so the family member notified the law enforcement a second time.
She stated the defendant then engaged in the "treat game" in a space of five youngsters.
