A person who spiked sweets with tranquilliser and distributed them to children at a summer program in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual offences against two young males both between nine and ten.
The defendant was detained after eight minors and an older person became sick at the facility in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the judicial center on Friday.
Nevertheless, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was involving a young boy.
The accused was remanded in custody ahead of a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, detailed the criminal behavior to the court.
She said his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a youth camp which he ran.
The man played a "candy game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel explained, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to eat sweets "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had played this game with the young males "over an extended period", and minors had previously become sick the next day.
She stated Ruben had been capable of justifying this for many years as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had concerns in July 2025.
The prosecutor added: "In the summer" his stepson had suspicions about what was going on, for good reason.
"They decided to examine in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel stated materials including infant oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were discovered, and his family member notified the law enforcement about his concerns.
She said Ruben proceeded to conduct the "sweet game" with six children that night - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"The police had not arrived by that stage," she added.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the incident.
The legal representative stated the children were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson notified the law enforcement once more.
She said the man then conducted the "candy game" in a space of five youngsters.
