A man who laced candy with sleeping medication and distributed them to children at a summer camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual crimes against two boys both nine and ten years old.
The defendant was detained after eight minors and a grown-up fell ill at the facility in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from that region, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he stood at the courthouse on the end of the week.
Yet, he refused to admit one particular crime he was accused of, which was involving a young boy.
The accused was remanded in custody prior to a subsequent court date on late November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, detailed the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She said his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a youth camp which he ran.
Ruben conducted a "treat game" with the children, the legal counsel stated, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and request they to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge the defendant had played this game with the young males "for many years", and minors had previously become sick the following morning.
She stated the defendant had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had concerns in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "In the summer" his family member had concerns about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They chose" to investigate in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC said objects including lubricant, ointment and injection devices were discovered, and his stepchild notified the police about his concerns.
She explained the defendant went on to conduct the "treat game" with six boys that night - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that time," she continued.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, had stated that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
Mrs Prior said the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the stepson called the authorities a second time.
She explained the man then conducted the "candy game" in a space of five children.
