An individual who laced candy with tranquilliser and provided them to children at a summer camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offenses against two children both nine and 10.
The accused was detained after eight children and one adult experienced illness at the location in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at the courthouse on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was kept in jail ahead of a subsequent court date on late November.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, described the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She stated his targets were under-privileged children who were attending a youth camp which he managed.
The man conducted a "treat game" with the children, Mrs Prior said, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and ask them to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had played this game with the boys "over an extended period", and minors had previously become sick the following morning.
She stated the man had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had worries in July 2025.
The legal representative continued: "Recently" his family member had worries about the situation, justifiably.
"They resolved" to have a look in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel stated objects including baby oil, ointment and medical needles were located, and his stepchild notified the authorities about his suspicions.
She said the man continued to engage in the "candy game" with six boys that night - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that stage," she continued.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, had stated that it was examining law enforcement's management of the situation.
The legal representative stated the children were struggling to walk due to their condition, so the stepson called the police again.
She explained Ruben then played the "sweet game" in a room of five youngsters.
