A man who contaminated candy with sedative and distributed them to youngsters at a summer program in Leicestershire has admitted sexual crimes against two young males who were between nine and ten.
The defendant was detained after eight minors and one adult fell ill at the facility in July.
The 76-year-old, from that region, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Nevertheless, he denied one particular crime he was facing, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody prior to a subsequent court date on late November.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, outlined Ruben's offending to the court.
She stated his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a youth camp which he ran.
The man engaged in a "candy game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor stated, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and request they to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had played this game with the children "over an extended period", and children had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She stated Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had concerns in summer 2025.
The prosecutor added: "This year his family member had suspicions about the situation, with valid cause.
"They decided to have a look in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC stated objects including infant oil, Vaseline and syringes were discovered, and his stepson alerted the authorities about his worries.
She stated the defendant proceeded to play the "candy game" with six boys that evening - July 26th - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"The police had not responded by that time," she continued.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, had stated that it was examining the police response of the situation.
The legal representative said the children were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so the stepson contacted the authorities again.
She explained the man then conducted the "candy game" in a room of five children.
