An individual who contaminated treats with sedative and gave them to children at a youth camp in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual offenses against two children both nine and 10.
The accused was arrested after eight minors and one adult became sick at the location in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at the judicial center on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was remanded in custody before a further hearing on late November.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, detailed the defendant's actions to the court.
She explained his targets were under-privileged children who were attending a summer program which he operated.
Ruben engaged in a "candy game" with the minors, the prosecutor said, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and request they to eat sweets "rapidly".
She stated to the judge Ruben had played this game with the boys "for many years", and youngsters had previously become sick the following morning.
She explained the defendant had been able to explain this over a long period as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had concerns in July 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "Recently" his stepson had concerns about the activities, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to investigate in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC said items including infant oil, Vaseline and injection devices were found, and his family member alerted the police about his suspicions.
She stated the defendant went on to conduct the "sweet game" with six boys that evening - July 26th - and they were all ill the following morning.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that time," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the events.
The legal representative explained the minors were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so the family member notified the authorities once more.
She explained the defendant then played the "treat game" in a area of five youngsters.
