A person who spiked candy with sleeping medication and distributed them to youngsters at a youth camp in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual offences against two young males both nine and 10.
The accused was taken into custody after eight youngsters and an older person fell ill at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he stood at the courthouse on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he denied one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was involving a young boy.
The defendant was kept in jail before a further hearing on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, described the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She explained his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a summer program which he managed.
Ruben engaged in a "candy game" with the minors, the prosecutor said, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She told the court Ruben had engaged in this activity with the boys "over an extended period", and minors had previously fallen ill the next day.
She explained Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had worries in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "Recently" his stepson had concerns about the situation, justifiably.
"They chose" to investigate in the individual's items."
The legal counsel stated objects including infant oil, ointment and medical needles were found, and his stepchild contacted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She stated Ruben proceeded to engage in the "treat game" with six boys that evening - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that stage," she added.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the situation.
The prosecutor said the minors were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the family member notified the law enforcement a second time.
She stated Ruben then played the "sweet game" in a space of five children.
