A man who contaminated candy with tranquilliser and distributed them to children at a youth camp in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual crimes against two young males both nine and 10.
The accused was arrested after eight minors and a grown-up fell ill at Stathern Lodge in July.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the judicial center on recently.
Nevertheless, he denied one particular crime he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody before a further hearing on November 28th.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, detailed the criminal behavior to the court.
She stated his those affected were under-privileged children who were staying at a summer program which he ran.
The defendant conducted a "sweet game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would go into the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had engaged in this activity with the boys "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the next day.
She said the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had worries in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "In the summer" his family member had suspicions about the activities, justifiably.
"They decided to investigate in the individual's items."
The legal counsel said materials including infant oil, Vaseline and injection devices were discovered, and his stepson notified the authorities about his suspicions.
She said the man proceeded to play the "treat game" with six youngsters that night - that Saturday - and they were all ill the following morning.
"The police had not gone out by that point," she added.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, previously told that it was reviewing the police response of the events.
The legal representative stated the children were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the family member contacted the police once more.
She said the man then engaged in the "sweet game" in a area of five minors.
