A man who laced treats with sedative and gave them to youngsters at a summer camp in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual crimes against two boys who were nine and 10.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight children and one adult fell ill at the facility in July.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at the courthouse on the end of the week.
Yet, he refused to admit one particular crime he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was kept in jail before a additional proceeding on late November.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, handling the case, detailed the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She explained his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer camp which he operated.
The defendant played a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel said, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to eat sweets "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings the man had engaged in this activity with the boys "over an extended period", and minors had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She said Ruben had been able to explain this over a long period as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had concerns in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "This year his family member had worries about the situation, for good reason.
"They chose" to examine in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel stated objects including lubricant, Vaseline and injection devices were discovered, and his stepson notified the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She explained the defendant went on to engage in the "treat game" with six youngsters that night - July 26th - and they were all sick the next day.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that stage," she added.
The oversight body, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
Mrs Prior explained the children were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the family member contacted the police a second time.
She explained the man then engaged in the "sweet game" in a room of five minors.
