An individual who laced candy with sleeping medication and gave them to minors at a summer camp in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual offences against two boys aged between nine and ten.
The defendant was arrested after eight minors and an older person became sick at the location in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the judicial center on Friday.
Nevertheless, he denied one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was held in detention prior to a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, handling the case, outlined the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She said his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a youth camp which he managed.
Ruben engaged in a "candy game" with the minors, the legal counsel explained, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to consume candy "rapidly".
She told the court Ruben had played this game with the boys "over an extended period", and children had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She explained the defendant had been capable of justifying this repeatedly as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had concerns in July 2025.
The legal representative continued: "Recently" his family member had suspicions about the situation, justifiably.
"They resolved" to have a look in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor explained items including infant oil, petroleum jelly and injection devices were found, and his family member contacted the police about his suspicions.
She said the defendant went on to engage in the "treat game" with six youngsters that time - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that stage," she stated further.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
Mrs Prior said the minors were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so the stepson contacted the police once more.
She stated the defendant then conducted the "candy game" in a room of five youngsters.
