A person who contaminated candy with tranquilliser and distributed them to children at a youth camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offenses against two boys who were between nine and ten.
The defendant was arrested after eight children and one adult experienced illness at the location in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at the courthouse on recently.
However, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was facing, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was kept in jail ahead of a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, detailed the criminal behavior to the court.
She said his victims were under-privileged children who were participating in a summer program which he managed.
Ruben played a "sweet game" with the children, Mrs Prior said, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and request they to eat sweets "rapidly".
She told the court the defendant had conducted this practice with the children "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She explained Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had worries in July 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "This year his stepson had worries about what was going on, for good reason.
"They decided to investigate in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel said items including infant oil, Vaseline and medical needles were discovered, and his family member notified the police about his suspicions.
She stated the man proceeded to play the "candy game" with six boys that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"The police had not responded by that time," she added.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the events.
The prosecutor said the minors were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so the stepson called the authorities a second time.
She said Ruben then conducted the "candy game" in a space of five youngsters.
