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A man who laced sweets with sleeping medication and gave them to children at a youth camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two children who were nine and ten years old.

The accused was arrested after eight minors and one adult became sick at the location in July.

The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on recently.

However, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was facing, which was against a young boy.

Ruben was held in detention before a further hearing on late November.

'Sweet game'

The legal representative, presenting evidence, described the defendant's actions to the judicial body.

She explained his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a youth camp which he ran.

The defendant played a "candy game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and request they to consume candy "rapidly".

She stated to the judge the man had conducted this practice with the young males "repeatedly", and youngsters had previously become sick the subsequent day.

She explained the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had suspicions in summer 2025.

Mrs Prior KC continued: "This year his stepson had concerns about the situation, for good reason.

"They decided to investigate in the defendant's belongings."

Mrs Prior KC explained materials including baby oil, ointment and syringes were discovered, and his stepson notified the police about his suspicions.

She explained Ruben proceeded to play the "candy game" with six children that time - July 26th - and they were all sick the following morning.

"The police had not responded by that point," she stated further.

The police watchdog, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the events.

The legal representative explained the minors were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson contacted the authorities a second time.

She stated the defendant then played the "sweet game" in a room of five children.