A person who contaminated sweets with sleeping medication and gave them to children at a youth camp in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual crimes against two boys aged between nine and ten.
The defendant was arrested after eight children and a grown-up fell ill at the location in July.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he stood at the judicial center on the end of the week.
Yet, he disputed one particular crime he was accused of, which was involving a young boy.
The accused was kept in jail ahead of a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, described the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She explained his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer camp which he operated.
The defendant played a "sweet game" with the minors, the prosecutor said, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were settling down and ask them to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had played this game with the children "for many years", and minors had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She said the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had suspicions in summer 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "Recently" his family member had concerns about the activities, for good reason.
"They resolved" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC said items including infant oil, petroleum jelly and injection devices were found, and his stepson alerted the authorities about his concerns.
She stated the man proceeded to engage in the "candy game" with six boys that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that stage," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, previously told that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
The legal representative explained the minors were struggling to walk due to their condition, so the family member contacted the law enforcement a second time.
She stated the defendant then engaged in the "sweet game" in a area of five minors.
