A man who spiked candy with tranquilliser and distributed them to minors at a summer camp in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual crimes against two boys who were nine and 10.
The defendant was detained after eight children and an older person fell ill at the facility in mid-summer.
The senior citizen, from that region, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at the courthouse on Friday.
However, he disputed one particular crime he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was remanded in custody ahead of a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, detailed the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She said his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a youth camp which he managed.
The man engaged in a "candy game" with the children, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings the man had conducted this practice with the children "repeatedly", and children had previously become sick the following morning.
She explained Ruben had been able to explain this over a long period as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had suspicions in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "Recently" his family member had suspicions about the activities, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to examine in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC stated materials including baby oil, Vaseline and injection devices were discovered, and his family member notified the law enforcement about his concerns.
She explained the man continued to engage in the "treat game" with six boys that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the next day.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that stage," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the incident.
Mrs Prior explained the minors were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so the stepson called the authorities again.
She said Ruben then conducted the "candy game" in a room of five youngsters.
