An individual who laced candy with sedative and gave them to youngsters at a youth camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offenses against two boys who were nine and ten years old.
The accused was detained after eight youngsters and a grown-up became sick at the facility in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from that region, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Nevertheless, he disputed a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
The accused was remanded in custody ahead of a further hearing on late November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, detailed the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She stated his victims were under-privileged children who were participating in a summer program which he managed.
Ruben played a "candy game" with the minors, the prosecutor explained, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and ask them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge the man had conducted this practice with the boys "repeatedly", and minors had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She stated the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had worries in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "Recently" his family member had suspicions about the activities, justifiably.
"They resolved" to investigate in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel stated items including baby oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were found, and his family member alerted the authorities about his suspicions.
She said the man continued to conduct the "candy game" with six youngsters that time - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that time," she stated further.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the situation.
The prosecutor explained the minors were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson notified the law enforcement a second time.
She said the defendant then played the "candy game" in a area of five minors.
