A person who contaminated candy with tranquilliser and gave them to youngsters at a summer camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two children who were between nine and ten.
The accused was detained after eight minors and one adult experienced illness at the facility in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from that region, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he was present at the judicial center on recently.
However, he denied one particular crime he was facing, which was involving a young boy.
Ruben was kept in jail prior to a subsequent court date on late November.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, handling the case, described the defendant's actions to the court.
She said his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a youth camp which he operated.
The man played a "treat game" with the minors, the prosecutor said, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had conducted this practice with the children "for many years", and children had previously become sick the following morning.
She explained the man had been able to explain this over a long period as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had suspicions in July 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "In the summer" his stepchild had worries about the situation, justifiably.
"They resolved" to investigate in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel stated materials including baby oil, Vaseline and syringes were discovered, and his stepson contacted the authorities about his concerns.
She stated Ruben proceeded to engage in the "treat game" with six boys that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the next day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that stage," she continued.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, had stated that it was investigating the police response of the events.
The legal representative said the children were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the stepson notified the authorities once more.
She said the man then engaged in the "sweet game" in a space of five youngsters.
