An individual who spiked candy with sleeping medication and provided them to youngsters at a summer program in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offences against two young males aged nine and 10.
The defendant was detained after eight youngsters and an older person fell ill at the location in mid-summer.
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 facing, which was concerning a young boy.
The accused was held in detention ahead of a additional proceeding on late November.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, described the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She explained his targets were under-privileged children who were attending a summer camp which he managed.
The defendant conducted a "candy game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge the defendant had engaged in this activity with the young males "for many years", and children had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She explained Ruben had been able to explain this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had worries in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "This year his stepson had concerns about the situation, for good reason.
"They resolved" to investigate in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel explained items including lubricant, Vaseline and injection devices were found, and his stepchild contacted the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She stated Ruben proceeded to conduct the "candy game" with six youngsters that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that point," she added.
The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was examining the police response of the incident.
Mrs Prior stated the minors were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson notified the authorities a second time.
She stated the man then conducted the "sweet game" in a area of five minors.
