An individual who contaminated sweets with sleeping medication and gave them to children at a summer camp in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual offenses against two boys who were between nine and ten.
The accused was taken into custody after eight youngsters and a grown-up fell ill at the facility in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the judicial center on Friday.
Yet, he refused to admit one particular crime he was facing, which was involving a young boy.
The defendant was held in detention prior to a subsequent court date on late November.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, described Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She said his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a summer program which he operated.
Ruben engaged in a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel explained, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and request they to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge the man had conducted this practice with the children "for many years", and minors had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She explained the man had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had concerns in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "In the summer" his family member had worries about the activities, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor explained objects including lubricant, Vaseline and injection devices were found, and his family member notified the authorities about his suspicions.
She explained the defendant proceeded to engage in the "treat game" with six children that night - that Saturday - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that stage," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
The prosecutor explained the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson contacted the authorities again.
She said the man then played the "candy game" in a space of five minors.
