An individual who laced candy with sleeping medication and distributed them to youngsters at a summer camp in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual offenses against two children both between nine and ten.
The accused was arrested after eight minors and an older person experienced illness at the facility in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from that region, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
However, he denied one particular crime he was charged with, which was against a young boy.
The accused was remanded in custody ahead of a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, handling the case, described the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She stated his targets were under-privileged children who were staying at a summer camp which he operated.
The defendant engaged in a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor explained, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to eat sweets "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings the man had conducted this practice with the children "for many years", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the next day.
She explained Ruben had been capable of justifying this for many years as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had suspicions in July 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "This year his stepson had concerns about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They decided to have a look in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC explained objects including lubricant, Vaseline and medical needles were discovered, and his family member contacted the police about his suspicions.
She said the man went on to engage in the "candy game" with six children that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that time," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, previously told that it was examining law enforcement's management of the incident.
The prosecutor said the minors were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so the family member notified the law enforcement a second time.
She stated the man then engaged in the "sweet game" in a space of five minors.
