A man who contaminated candy with tranquilliser and provided them to children at a summer camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offenses against two children both nine and 10.
The accused was arrested after eight youngsters and a grown-up became sick at the facility in July.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at the courthouse on the end of the week.
However, he denied one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody before a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, detailed the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She explained his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a summer program which he ran.
The man conducted a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor stated, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings the man had engaged in this activity with the children "repeatedly", and children had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She stated the man had been capable of justifying this repeatedly as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had suspicions in July 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "In the summer" his family member had concerns about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to have a look in the individual's items."
The legal counsel stated materials including baby oil, ointment and injection devices were discovered, and his stepson alerted the police about his worries.
She stated the man continued to conduct the "candy game" with six children that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that stage," she stated further.
The oversight body, the investigative body, had stated that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
Mrs Prior said the children were struggling to walk due to being ill, so the family member called the law enforcement once more.
She explained the defendant then engaged in the "treat game" in a space of five youngsters.
