A person who spiked candy with sedative and gave them to children at a youth camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offences against two boys who were nine and ten years old.
The accused was arrested after eight youngsters and one adult experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he was present at the courthouse on recently.
However, he denied one particular crime he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was kept in jail before a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, described the defendant's actions to the court.
She said his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer camp which he operated.
The man engaged in a "candy game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel explained, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were settling down and tell them to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge Ruben had played this game with the young males "repeatedly", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She explained Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had concerns in summer 2025.
The prosecutor added: "This year his stepson had concerns about the activities, justifiably.
"They decided to examine in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel explained items including lubricant, petroleum jelly and injection devices were located, and his family member notified the law enforcement about his concerns.
She explained the defendant went on to engage in the "candy game" with six youngsters that evening - July 26th - and they were all ill the next day.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that stage," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, had stated that it was examining law enforcement's management of the incident.
Mrs Prior stated the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so the stepson notified the authorities again.
She said the defendant then played the "candy game" in a area of five minors.
