A man who spiked candy with sleeping medication and distributed them to youngsters at a summer camp in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual offences against two children who were between nine and ten.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight children and one adult became sick at the location in mid-summer.
The senior citizen, from that region, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he stood at the courthouse on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he disputed one particular crime he was facing, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was remanded in custody ahead of a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, described Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She explained his those affected were under-privileged children who were attending a summer camp which he operated.
The defendant engaged in a "candy game" with the children, the legal counsel said, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to ingest treats "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had conducted this practice with the children "for many years", and children had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She stated the defendant had been able to explain this for many years as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had suspicions in summer 2025.
The legal representative continued: "Recently" his family member had suspicions about what was going on, for good reason.
"They resolved" to have a look in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel said materials including baby oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were located, and his stepchild alerted the authorities about his worries.
She stated the defendant went on to conduct the "sweet game" with six children that evening - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that time," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the situation.
The legal representative stated the children were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson contacted the police once more.
She stated the man then engaged in the "treat game" in a room of five minors.
