An individual who contaminated sweets with sedative and distributed them to children at a summer program in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two young males who were between nine and ten.
The accused was arrested after eight minors and an older person fell ill at the facility in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the judicial center on the end of the week.
Yet, he disputed a single sexual charge he was facing, which was against a young boy.
The accused was remanded in custody prior to a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, handling the case, outlined Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She explained his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer camp which he ran.
The defendant played a "candy game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel stated, in which he would go into the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to consume candy "rapidly".
She stated to the judge the defendant had played this game with the boys "for many years", and minors had previously become sick the following morning.
She said the defendant had been able to explain this over a long period as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had suspicions in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "In the summer" his stepson had concerns about the activities, with valid cause.
"They decided to examine in the individual's items."
The prosecutor stated materials including infant oil, ointment and syringes were found, and his family member contacted the law enforcement about his worries.
She said the man proceeded to conduct the "candy game" with six boys that time - July 26th - and they were all sick the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that point," she stated further.
The oversight body, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
Mrs Prior stated the minors were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson contacted the law enforcement a second time.
She said Ruben then engaged in the "treat game" in a space of five children.
