An individual who laced treats with sedative and distributed them to minors at a youth camp in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual crimes against two children both nine and 10.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight youngsters and a grown-up became sick at the facility in July.
The elderly man, from that region, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Nevertheless, he denied a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody ahead of a subsequent court date on late November.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, described Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She stated his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a summer camp which he ran.
Ruben engaged in a "treat game" with the minors, Mrs Prior said, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge Ruben had conducted this practice with the children "repeatedly", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the next day.
She stated the man had been able to explain this for many years as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had concerns in July 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "In the summer" his stepchild had suspicions about what was going on, for good reason.
"They decided to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor explained objects including lubricant, ointment and medical needles were found, and his stepchild contacted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She explained Ruben proceeded to engage in the "candy game" with six youngsters that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that time," she added.
The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the events.
The legal representative stated the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson notified the police a second time.
She explained Ruben then played the "candy game" in a room of five children.
