A person who spiked candy with sleeping medication and distributed them to minors at a summer program in Leicestershire has admitted sexual crimes against two boys aged nine and 10.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight children and a grown-up became sick at the location in July.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
However, he disputed a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was concerning a young boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody prior to a subsequent court date on late November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, detailed the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She said his victims were under-privileged children who were participating in a youth camp which he managed.
The man engaged in a "sweet game" with the children, the prosecutor explained, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge Ruben had engaged in this activity with the boys "over an extended period", and minors had previously become sick the following morning.
She stated the defendant had been able to explain this for many years as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had concerns in summer 2025.
The legal representative continued: "This year his stepchild had suspicions about the situation, justifiably.
"They resolved" to have a look in the individual's items."
The legal counsel explained materials including lubricant, ointment and syringes were found, and his family member contacted the authorities about his worries.
She said Ruben continued to conduct the "treat game" with six boys that evening - July 26th - and they were all ill the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that stage," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, previously told that it was investigating the police response of the incident.
Mrs Prior explained the children were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson contacted the authorities once more.
She explained Ruben then played the "treat game" in a space of five youngsters.
