A man who contaminated treats with sleeping medication and distributed them to children at a youth camp in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual crimes against two boys both between nine and ten.
The defendant was arrested after eight youngsters and one adult fell ill at the location in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at the judicial center on Friday.
Yet, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was held in detention ahead of a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, outlined the defendant's actions to the court.
She explained his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a summer camp which he operated.
The man conducted a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel stated, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and request they to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She told the court the defendant had conducted this practice with the boys "over an extended period", and children had previously fallen ill the next day.
She stated Ruben had been able to explain this over a long period as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had suspicions in July 2025.
The legal representative added: "Recently" his stepson had concerns about the situation, justifiably.
"They chose" to investigate in the individual's items."
The legal counsel stated items including infant oil, Vaseline and injection devices were located, and his family member notified the police about his worries.
She explained Ruben went on to engage in the "treat game" with six children that evening - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that point," she continued.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the incident.
The prosecutor said the children were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson notified the law enforcement once more.
She explained the man then played the "treat game" in a space of five youngsters.
