An individual who spiked candy with sedative and gave them to children at a summer camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual crimes against two young males both nine and ten years old.
The accused was arrested after eight youngsters and one adult fell ill at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from that region, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at the courthouse on recently.
Yet, he denied one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody prior to a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, described Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She explained his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer program which he managed.
The defendant played a "candy game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to consume candy "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had played this game with the young males "for many years", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She said the man had been capable of justifying this for many years as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had concerns in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "This year his stepson had worries about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They chose" to investigate in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor said items including infant oil, petroleum jelly and injection devices were found, and his stepchild notified the police about his concerns.
She stated Ruben proceeded to play the "treat game" with six youngsters that evening - that Saturday - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that time," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, had stated that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the incident.
Mrs Prior explained the minors were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the family member contacted the police again.
She explained the man then engaged in the "treat game" in a space of five minors.
