An individual who laced treats with sedative and provided 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 youngsters and one adult became sick at the facility in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the courthouse on the end of the week.
However, he disputed one particular crime he was accused of, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was kept in jail before a further hearing on November 28th.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, handling the case, described the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She said his targets were under-privileged children who were attending a youth camp which he managed.
The man engaged in a "sweet game" with the minors, the prosecutor explained, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and request they to eat sweets "rapidly".
She told the court the defendant had engaged in this activity with the young males "over an extended period", and minors had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She explained Ruben had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had concerns in July 2025.
The legal representative continued: "In the summer" his family member had suspicions about what was going on, for good reason.
"They resolved" to investigate in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC said items including infant oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were located, and his stepchild notified the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She said the man continued to conduct the "sweet game" with six children that evening - July 26th - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that time," she added.
The oversight body, the investigative body, previously told that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
The legal representative said the children were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the family member notified the law enforcement again.
She explained Ruben then conducted the "treat game" in a area of five children.
