A man who spiked candy with tranquilliser and distributed them to children at a youth camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offenses against two children both nine and 10.
The accused was detained after eight youngsters and a grown-up experienced illness at the location in the summer month.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he was present at the judicial center on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit one particular crime he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The accused was held in detention before a additional proceeding on late November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, outlined the criminal behavior to the court.
She stated his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a summer program which he ran.
Ruben conducted a "candy game" with the children, Mrs Prior said, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to ingest treats "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings the man had played this game with the children "for many years", and children had previously fallen ill the next day.
She said the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had suspicions in July 2025.
The prosecutor added: "Recently" his stepson had worries about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They chose" to have a look in the individual's items."
The legal counsel said items including baby oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were discovered, and his stepson alerted the authorities about his suspicions.
She explained Ruben went on to play the "candy game" with six youngsters that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that time," she continued.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
Mrs Prior stated the minors were struggling to walk due to being ill, so the stepson called the police once more.
She stated the defendant then engaged in the "treat game" in a space of five youngsters.
