A person who contaminated candy with sleeping medication and distributed them to youngsters at a summer camp in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual offenses against two young males who were nine and 10.
The accused was taken into custody after eight minors and a grown-up became sick at the location in July.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Yet, he denied one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was concerning a young boy.
The accused was kept in jail prior to a further hearing on late November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, described Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She explained his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer camp which he operated.
Ruben engaged in a "treat game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge Ruben had conducted this practice with the children "over an extended period", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She explained the man had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had concerns in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "This year his stepson had worries about the activities, for good reason.
"They decided to have a look in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC explained items including infant oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were found, and his stepson notified the police about his concerns.
She explained the defendant proceeded to play the "treat game" with six children that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that stage," she added.
The oversight body, the investigative body, had stated that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the situation.
The legal representative stated the children were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the stepson called the police a second time.
She said the man then engaged in the "sweet game" in a room of five minors.
