An individual who contaminated candy with tranquilliser and gave them to minors at a summer camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual crimes against two boys who were nine and ten years old.
The accused was detained after eight youngsters and an older person experienced illness at the location in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at the judicial center on recently.
Nevertheless, he denied one particular crime he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was remanded in custody before a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, described Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She explained his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a summer program which he operated.
The defendant played a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor explained, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to ingest treats "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had conducted this practice with the children "over an extended period", and children had previously become sick the following morning.
She said the defendant had been able to explain this for many years as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had suspicions in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "This year his stepson had worries about the activities, justifiably.
"They decided to investigate in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel said materials including lubricant, petroleum jelly and syringes were located, and his stepchild alerted the law enforcement about his worries.
She explained the defendant proceeded to conduct the "treat game" with six children that night - July 26th - and they were all ill the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that time," she continued.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was investigating the police response of the situation.
The prosecutor said the children were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so the stepson called the police again.
She explained Ruben then conducted the "candy game" in a room of five youngsters.