A man who contaminated candy with sedative and gave them to children at a youth camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two boys aged nine and 10.
The defendant was detained after eight youngsters and a grown-up fell ill at the location in mid-summer.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he stood at the judicial center on the end of the week.
Yet, he denied one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was concerning a young boy.
The accused was kept in jail prior to a further hearing on November 28th.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, outlined the criminal behavior to the court.
She explained his targets were under-privileged children who were staying at a youth camp which he managed.
Ruben engaged in a "sweet game" with the children, Mrs Prior said, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were settling down and request they to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge the man had engaged in this activity with the boys "repeatedly", and children had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She explained the defendant had been able to explain this for many years as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had concerns in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "This year his stepchild had worries about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC stated materials including baby oil, petroleum jelly and injection devices were discovered, and his stepson contacted the authorities about his concerns.
She said the defendant continued to engage in the "treat game" with six children that evening - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"The police had not responded by that point," she continued.
The oversight body, the investigative body, previously told that it was investigating the police response of the situation.
The legal representative explained the minors were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the stepson notified the law enforcement once more.
She said the man then engaged in the "treat game" in a space of five minors.
