An individual who contaminated sweets with sleeping medication and provided them to youngsters at a youth camp in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual crimes against two boys both between nine and ten.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight minors and an older person experienced illness at the facility in July.
The senior citizen, from that region, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was facing, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was held in detention before a further hearing on November 28th.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, outlined the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She stated his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer camp which he operated.
Ruben conducted a "sweet game" with the minors, the legal counsel explained, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and request they to consume candy "rapidly".
She stated to the judge the defendant had conducted this practice with the children "repeatedly", and minors had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She stated the man had been able to explain this repeatedly as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had worries in July 2025.
The legal representative added: "In the summer" his family member had suspicions about the situation, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to have a look in the individual's items."
The legal counsel stated objects including baby oil, ointment and medical needles were located, and his stepson notified the authorities about his worries.
She explained Ruben proceeded to engage in the "candy game" with six boys that time - July 26th - and they were all ill the next day.
"The police had not arrived by that stage," she added.
The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
Mrs Prior said the youngsters were struggling to walk due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson called the police again.
She explained the man then engaged in the "sweet game" in a area of five youngsters.
