A man who contaminated sweets with sedative and distributed them to youngsters at a summer camp in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual offenses against two young males aged nine and 10.
The accused was detained after eight children and one adult fell ill at the location in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from that region, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he stood at the courthouse on Friday.
However, he disputed one particular crime he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
The accused was kept in jail prior to a further hearing on November 28th.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, described Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She explained his victims were under-privileged children who were staying at a summer camp which he managed.
The defendant played a "sweet game" with the minors, the prosecutor explained, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and request they to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She told the court Ruben had conducted this practice with the young males "repeatedly", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She said the man had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had worries in summer 2025.
The legal representative added: "This year his family member had concerns about what was going on, for good reason.
"They chose" to examine in the individual's items."
The legal counsel stated materials including baby oil, ointment and injection devices were located, and his family member notified the law enforcement about his concerns.
She said the man proceeded to conduct the "candy game" with six children that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the following morning.
"Authorities" had not responded by that stage," she continued.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the events.
The legal representative stated the minors were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so the family member notified the law enforcement a second time.
She stated the defendant then played the "treat game" in a room of five youngsters.
