An individual who contaminated candy with sleeping medication and distributed them to youngsters at a summer camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two boys who were nine and ten years old.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight minors and an older person became sick at the location in July.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at the judicial center on the end of the week.
Yet, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was held in detention ahead of a further hearing on November 28th.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, outlined the defendant's actions to the court.
She stated his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a summer program which he managed.
Ruben conducted a "treat game" with the children, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to consume candy "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had conducted this practice with the boys "over an extended period", and minors had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She stated Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had worries in July 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "In the summer" his family member had suspicions about the situation, with valid cause.
"They decided to investigate in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC explained objects including baby oil, Vaseline and syringes were found, and his stepson notified the law enforcement about his concerns.
She explained the defendant proceeded to engage in the "sweet game" with six youngsters that night - July 26th - and they were all ill the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that time," she added.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
Mrs Prior stated the children were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so the family member contacted the law enforcement once more.
She said the defendant then engaged in the "treat game" in a space of five children.
