An individual who contaminated candy with tranquilliser and distributed them to minors at a summer camp in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual offences against two boys both 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 senior citizen, from that region, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he was present at the courthouse on recently.
However, he denied a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was against a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was held in detention prior to a further hearing on 28 November.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, outlined the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She said his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a summer program which he ran.
Ruben played a "treat game" with the children, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were settling down and tell them to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had engaged in this activity with the boys "repeatedly", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She said Ruben had been able to explain this over a long period as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had suspicions in July 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "This year his stepchild had worries about the activities, justifiably.
"They resolved" to examine in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC explained objects including infant oil, ointment and injection devices were found, and his stepchild contacted the authorities about his worries.
She said the defendant went on to play the "sweet game" with six youngsters that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that stage," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was reviewing the police response of the situation.
The legal representative said the minors were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson called the authorities once more.
She explained the defendant then conducted the "treat game" in a area of five children.
