A person who laced treats with sedative and provided them to minors at a summer program in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual offences against two boys both nine and ten years old.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight children and a grown-up experienced illness at the location in the summer month.
The elderly man, from that region, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he stood at the courthouse on Friday.
Nevertheless, he denied one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was against a young boy.
Ruben was kept in jail ahead of a further hearing on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, described the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She explained his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a youth camp which he operated.
The man played a "candy game" with the children, the prosecutor said, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and tell them to ingest treats "rapidly".
She told the court the man had played this game with the children "repeatedly", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She stated Ruben had been able to explain this over a long period as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had concerns in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "Recently" his stepchild had suspicions about the situation, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor said materials including infant oil, ointment and medical needles were located, and his stepchild contacted the authorities about his suspicions.
She explained the defendant went on to play the "sweet game" with six children that time - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"The police had not responded by that point," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, had stated that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
Mrs Prior stated the children were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson contacted the authorities a second time.
She said Ruben then conducted the "sweet game" in a area of five youngsters.
