An individual who laced candy with sedative and provided them to youngsters at a summer camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offences against two children both nine and 10.
The accused was taken into custody after eight youngsters and one adult experienced illness at the location in July.
The 76-year-old, from that region, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
However, he denied one particular crime he was charged with, which was against a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was remanded in custody ahead of a further hearing on November 28th.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, described the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She explained his those affected were under-privileged children who were participating in a youth camp which he managed.
Ruben conducted a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel explained, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the defendant had engaged in this activity with the young males "over an extended period", and minors had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She stated the man had been able to explain this repeatedly as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had worries in summer 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "In the summer" his stepchild had suspicions about the activities, justifiably.
"They decided to have a look in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC said materials including lubricant, ointment and syringes were found, and his stepchild contacted the police about his concerns.
She said Ruben continued to engage in the "candy game" with six children that time - that Saturday - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that stage," she stated further.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was investigating the police response of the situation.
The prosecutor explained the youngsters were struggling to walk due to their condition, so the stepson notified the authorities again.
She explained the man then engaged in the "sweet game" in a area of five minors.
