An individual who contaminated treats with sleeping medication and gave them to children at a summer camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two young males aged nine and 10.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight children and a grown-up fell ill at the location in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at the judicial center on recently.
However, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was kept in jail ahead of a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, outlined the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She explained his victims were under-privileged children who were staying at a youth camp which he managed.
Ruben conducted a "sweet game" with the minors, the legal counsel said, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and request they to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She told the court Ruben had engaged in this activity with the young males "over an extended period", and minors had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She explained the man had been able to explain this for many years as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had concerns in summer 2025.
The prosecutor added: "This year his stepson had suspicions about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They decided to examine in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC stated materials including infant oil, ointment and medical needles were found, and his stepson contacted the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She stated Ruben went on to play the "candy game" with six boys that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the next day.
"The police had not responded by that stage," she continued.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
Mrs Prior stated the children were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the family member contacted the police a second time.
She explained the man then engaged in the "treat game" in a area of five minors.
