A man who contaminated treats with sleeping medication and distributed them to children at a youth camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual crimes against two children both between nine and ten.
The accused was detained after eight children and one adult experienced illness at the location in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from that region, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he stood at the courthouse on recently.
However, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was involving a young boy.
The defendant was held in detention before a additional proceeding on late November.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, detailed Ruben's offending to the court.
She explained his victims were under-privileged children who were staying at a youth camp which he managed.
The man conducted a "candy game" with the children, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and request they to consume candy "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings the man had engaged in this activity with the children "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She explained Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had worries in July 2025.
The legal representative continued: "In the summer" his family member had worries about the situation, for good reason.
"They decided to have a look in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor stated objects including baby oil, Vaseline and injection devices were discovered, and his family member notified the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She said the defendant went on to engage in the "candy game" with six children that evening - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that stage," she added.
The oversight body, the investigative body, previously told that it was investigating the police response of the events.
Mrs Prior stated the youngsters were struggling to walk due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson notified the authorities a second time.
She explained the defendant then played the "treat game" in a room of five minors.
