A person who contaminated candy with sleeping medication and gave them to children at a youth camp in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual offenses against two young males both nine and ten years old.
The defendant was arrested after eight children and an older person experienced illness at the facility in July.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at the courthouse on the end of the week.
Yet, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
The accused was kept in jail ahead of a further hearing on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, described the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She explained his victims were under-privileged children who were participating in a youth camp which he managed.
Ruben played a "sweet game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She told the court the man had conducted this practice with the children "for many years", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She stated Ruben had been able to explain this over a long period as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had worries in July 2025.
The prosecutor added: "Recently" his stepson had worries about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They chose" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC explained items including infant oil, ointment and injection devices were located, and his family member contacted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She said the man went on to engage in the "treat game" with six children that night - July 26th - and they were all sick the next day.
"The police had not responded by that time," she added.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
The prosecutor explained the youngsters were struggling to walk due to their condition, so the family member called the authorities again.
She stated Ruben then played the "sweet game" in a area of five youngsters.
