A man who laced candy with tranquilliser and distributed them to minors at a summer program in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual offences against two boys both nine and 10.
The accused was taken into custody after eight youngsters and a grown-up became sick at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he was present at the judicial center on Friday.
However, he denied a single sexual charge he was facing, which was concerning a young boy.
The defendant was kept in jail before a further hearing on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, outlined Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She stated his those affected were under-privileged children who were participating in a youth camp which he ran.
Ruben engaged in a "sweet game" with the children, the legal counsel explained, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and request they to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She told the court Ruben had played this game with the young males "repeatedly", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the next day.
She stated the man had been able to explain this for many years as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had suspicions in summer 2025.
The legal representative added: "This year his stepchild had concerns about the activities, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC said objects including baby oil, petroleum jelly and syringes were located, and his stepson contacted the authorities about his suspicions.
She said the man proceeded to conduct the "candy game" with six boys that night - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that point," she added.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, previously told that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the situation.
The legal representative stated the children were struggling to walk due to their condition, so the stepson contacted the law enforcement once more.
She stated the defendant then played the "candy game" in a space of five youngsters.
