An individual who contaminated sweets with sleeping medication and gave them to minors at a summer camp in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual offenses against two young males who were between nine and ten.
The defendant was detained after eight youngsters and a grown-up became sick at Stathern Lodge in July.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Nevertheless, he denied one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was kept in jail prior to a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, outlined the criminal behavior to the court.
She explained his those affected were under-privileged children who were staying at a summer program which he operated.
Ruben played a "candy game" with the children, the prosecutor stated, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the man had played this game with the boys "for many years", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the next day.
She stated the man had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had concerns in summer 2025.
The legal representative continued: "Recently" his stepson had worries about the situation, with valid cause.
"They decided to examine in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC explained materials including baby oil, ointment and medical needles were discovered, and his stepchild alerted the police about his worries.
She stated the man went on to conduct the "candy game" with six boys that night - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"The police had not gone out by that point," she added.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, had stated that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
The prosecutor stated the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the stepson called the authorities again.
She said Ruben then conducted the "treat game" in a room of five children.
