An individual who contaminated treats with sleeping medication and distributed them to youngsters at a summer program in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offences against two children who were between nine and ten.
The defendant was detained after eight youngsters and one adult experienced illness at the facility in July.
The senior citizen, from that region, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he stood at the judicial center on Friday.
Yet, he disputed one particular crime he was accused of, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
The accused was remanded in custody before a further hearing on November 28th.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, handling the case, described the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She explained his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a youth camp which he managed.
The defendant conducted a "candy game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor stated, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the man had conducted this practice with the boys "repeatedly", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She explained Ruben had been able to explain this repeatedly as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had suspicions in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "This year his stepson had concerns about the activities, for good reason.
"They chose" to investigate in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor said objects including baby oil, Vaseline and syringes were discovered, and his family member alerted the police about his concerns.
She said the man continued to conduct the "candy game" with six children that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"The police had not arrived by that stage," she continued.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was investigating the police response of the incident.
The prosecutor explained the minors were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson contacted the law enforcement a second time.
She explained the man then played the "treat game" in a area of five children.
