A person who contaminated treats with sedative and gave them to minors at a summer program in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual crimes against two boys who were between nine and ten.
The defendant was arrested after eight youngsters and an older person experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he disputed a single sexual charge he was facing, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
The accused was remanded in custody ahead of a further hearing on 28 November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, outlined Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She said his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a youth camp which he operated.
The defendant conducted a "sweet game" with the children, the legal counsel said, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were settling down and tell them to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge Ruben had engaged in this activity with the young males "repeatedly", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She stated the man had been able to explain this over a long period as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had worries in July 2025.
The legal representative added: "In the summer" his stepson had worries about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to examine in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor stated objects including lubricant, petroleum jelly and medical needles were found, and his family member contacted the police about his suspicions.
She explained Ruben went on to engage in the "candy game" with six youngsters that time - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that point," she stated further.
The oversight body, the investigative body, had stated that it was investigating the police response of the situation.
The prosecutor explained the minors were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the stepson contacted the authorities a second time.
She stated Ruben then engaged in the "candy game" in a room of five children.
