An individual who contaminated treats with sleeping medication and provided them to minors at a youth camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offences against two boys both nine and 10.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight minors and a grown-up fell ill at the facility in mid-summer.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Yet, he disputed a single sexual charge he was facing, which was against a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was remanded in custody prior to a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, described the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She explained his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a summer camp which he operated.
The defendant played a "candy game" with the minors, Mrs Prior said, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had conducted this practice with the children "repeatedly", and children had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She explained the man had been able to explain this for many years as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had concerns in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "In the summer" his family member had worries about the activities, with valid cause.
"They decided to have a look in the individual's items."
The legal counsel said materials including infant oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were found, and his stepson alerted the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She stated Ruben proceeded to play the "treat game" with six boys that time - July 26th - and they were all sick the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that stage," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, previously told that it was examining law enforcement's management of the incident.
The legal representative said the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson contacted the law enforcement once more.
She stated the defendant then engaged in the "candy game" in a room of five youngsters.
