An individual who laced candy with tranquilliser and provided them to youngsters at a youth camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offenses against two boys both nine and ten years old.
The accused was taken into custody after eight minors and a grown-up became sick at Stathern Lodge in July.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at the judicial center on recently.
Yet, he disputed one particular crime he was charged with, which was against a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was remanded in custody before a further hearing on November 28th.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, detailed the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She said his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer program which he managed.
The man conducted a "sweet game" with the minors, the legal counsel said, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had conducted this practice with the young males "for many years", and minors had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She stated the man had been able to explain this repeatedly as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had suspicions in summer 2025.
The prosecutor added: "Recently" his stepchild had worries about the activities, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to have a look in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel stated materials including infant oil, petroleum jelly and injection devices were discovered, and his stepchild notified the authorities about his suspicions.
She said the defendant continued to conduct the "treat game" with six boys that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that time," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, had stated that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
Mrs Prior said the minors were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the family member called the law enforcement once more.
She said Ruben then played the "candy game" in a room of five children.
