A person who contaminated candy with sleeping medication and gave them to children at a summer program in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual crimes against two boys who were nine and ten years old.
The defendant was arrested after eight youngsters and an older person fell ill at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from that region, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he stood at the courthouse on Friday.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was remanded in custody prior to a subsequent court date on late November.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, outlined Ruben's offending to the court.
She said his victims were under-privileged children who were attending a youth camp which he operated.
The defendant played a "treat game" with the children, the prosecutor explained, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and request they to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She told the court the defendant had conducted this practice with the young males "for many years", and children had previously become sick the following morning.
She stated the man had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had worries in July 2025.
The legal representative continued: "This year his family member had worries about the situation, for good reason.
"They resolved" to examine in the individual's items."
The legal counsel said materials including lubricant, ointment and medical needles were found, and his stepchild notified the police about his concerns.
She stated Ruben went on to play the "sweet game" with six youngsters that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"The police had not responded by that stage," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
The legal representative explained the minors were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson contacted the police again.
She said the man then conducted the "treat game" in a area of five youngsters.
