A person who contaminated candy with sleeping medication and gave them to minors at a youth camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offences against two boys aged nine and ten years old.
The defendant was arrested after eight minors and a grown-up experienced illness at the location in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at the judicial center on recently.
Nevertheless, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was held in detention before a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, detailed the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She stated his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a summer program which he operated.
Ruben played a "treat game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor explained, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and request they to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had played this game with the boys "for many years", and minors had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She stated Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had concerns in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "Recently" his family member had concerns about the activities, justifiably.
"They resolved" to examine in the individual's items."
The prosecutor said materials including infant oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were found, and his family member contacted the police about his concerns.
She said the man proceeded to conduct the "sweet game" with six youngsters that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that point," she stated further.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the incident.
The prosecutor explained the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson called the authorities once more.
She stated the defendant then played the "candy game" in a room of five minors.
