A person who spiked treats with tranquilliser and distributed them to minors at a youth camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offenses against two children who were nine and 10.
The accused was detained after eight minors and a grown-up experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in July.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
However, he disputed a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was against a young boy.
Ruben was kept in jail before a further hearing on November 28th.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, described the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She stated his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a youth camp which he operated.
The defendant conducted a "sweet game" with the minors, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She told the court the defendant had conducted this practice with the boys "over an extended period", and children had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She stated the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had suspicions in July 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "This year his family member had worries about what was going on, justifiably.
"They decided to examine in the individual's items."
The legal counsel explained materials including baby oil, Vaseline and medical needles were discovered, and his stepchild notified the law enforcement about his concerns.
She stated Ruben went on to conduct the "sweet game" with six boys that time - July 26th - and they were all sick the following morning.
"The police had not gone out by that stage," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the incident.
Mrs Prior explained the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the family member called the police again.
She said the defendant then played the "candy game" in a space of five minors.
