An individual who spiked sweets with sleeping medication and provided them to minors at a summer camp in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual crimes against two boys aged nine and 10.
The accused was taken into custody after eight youngsters and one adult fell ill at the location in mid-summer.
The senior citizen, from that region, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he stood at the courthouse on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he disputed a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was held in detention before a additional proceeding on late November.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, outlined the defendant's actions to the court.
She stated his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer camp which he operated.
The man engaged in a "sweet game" with the minors, the legal counsel explained, in which he would go into the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge Ruben had played this game with the young males "for many years", and minors had previously become sick the following morning.
She said Ruben had been able to explain this for many years as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had suspicions in summer 2025.
The legal representative added: "This year his family member had suspicions about the activities, justifiably.
"They decided to examine in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor stated items including lubricant, petroleum jelly and injection devices were located, and his family member notified the police about his suspicions.
She explained Ruben went on to engage in the "candy game" with six youngsters that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that time," she continued.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
Mrs Prior said the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson contacted the law enforcement once more.
She said Ruben then played the "sweet game" in a room of five youngsters.
