An individual who contaminated candy with sedative and distributed them to minors at a youth camp in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual crimes against two boys aged between nine and ten.
The accused was taken into custody after eight youngsters and a grown-up experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from that region, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Yet, he disputed one particular crime he was facing, which was against a young boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody ahead of a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, outlined Ruben's offending to the court.
She stated his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer camp which he managed.
The defendant played a "treat game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor stated, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and request they to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had conducted this practice with the young males "repeatedly", and youngsters had previously become sick the next day.
She stated the man had been able to explain this over a long period as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had concerns in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "This year his stepson had concerns about the situation, with valid cause.
"They chose" to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor said objects including lubricant, petroleum jelly and syringes were located, and his stepson alerted the police about his worries.
She said Ruben continued to conduct the "candy game" with six youngsters that time - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that time," she added.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, previously told that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the situation.
The legal representative explained the minors were struggling to walk due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson called the police again.
She said the man then engaged in the "treat game" in a room of five youngsters.
