An individual who laced sweets with sleeping medication and provided them to youngsters at a youth camp in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual offenses against two boys both nine and 10.
The defendant was arrested after eight minors and a grown-up fell ill at the location in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from that region, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
However, he denied one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody ahead of a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, handling the case, outlined the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She said his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a youth camp which he managed.
Ruben engaged in a "treat game" with the children, the legal counsel stated, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and request they to eat sweets "rapidly".
She told the court Ruben had conducted this practice with the boys "repeatedly", and minors had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She explained the defendant had been capable of justifying this for many years as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had worries in July 2025.
The prosecutor added: "This year his family member had concerns about what was going on, justifiably.
"They decided to examine in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC said objects including baby oil, ointment and syringes were found, and his family member notified the law enforcement about his concerns.
She said the defendant went on to conduct the "candy game" with six children that evening - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"The police had not responded by that time," she added.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was reviewing the police response of the events.
The legal representative explained the minors were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the stepson notified the authorities once more.
She stated Ruben then engaged in the "candy game" in a space of five youngsters.
