An individual who contaminated candy with sedative and gave them to youngsters at a summer program in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual crimes against two children both between nine and ten.
The defendant was arrested after eight children and an older person fell ill at the location in July.
The 76-year-old, from that region, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
Yet, he denied a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was held in detention ahead of a subsequent court date on late November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, outlined the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She said his targets were under-privileged children who were staying at a youth camp which he managed.
The defendant engaged in a "candy game" with the minors, the prosecutor explained, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and request they to consume candy "rapidly".
She told the court the man had conducted this practice with the young males "repeatedly", and children had previously become sick the following morning.
She explained Ruben had been able to explain this over a long period as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had worries in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "This year his family member had worries about what was going on, justifiably.
"They resolved" to examine in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel explained materials including infant oil, ointment and medical needles were discovered, and his stepson alerted the law enforcement about his worries.
She stated the man proceeded to engage in the "candy game" with six boys that time - July 26th - and they were all sick the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that time," she continued.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, had stated that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
The prosecutor stated the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so the stepson notified the police again.
She stated the defendant then engaged in the "candy game" in a space of five youngsters.
