A man who spiked candy with sleeping medication and provided them to youngsters at a summer camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two young males who were between nine and ten.
The accused was detained after eight children and a grown-up became sick at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at the judicial center on Friday.
Nevertheless, he denied a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
The accused was remanded in custody prior to a additional proceeding on late November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, outlined Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She explained his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer program which he managed.
Ruben engaged in a "treat game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were settling down and ask them to eat sweets "rapidly".
She told the court Ruben had conducted this practice with the children "over an extended period", and children had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She stated the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had suspicions in summer 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "Recently" his stepson had worries about the situation, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to investigate in the individual's items."
The legal counsel stated objects including infant oil, ointment and injection devices were discovered, and his stepchild alerted the police about his concerns.
She explained the defendant continued to play the "sweet game" with six youngsters that evening - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"The police had not gone out by that stage," she added.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, had stated that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
Mrs Prior stated the children were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so the stepson notified the law enforcement a second time.
She said Ruben then engaged in the "candy game" in a space of five children.
