A man who laced candy with sedative and provided them to minors at a summer program in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual crimes against two children who were nine and ten years old.
The defendant was detained after eight children and one adult became sick at the location in July.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the courthouse on Friday.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was kept in jail ahead of a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, handling the case, described the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She explained his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a youth camp which he managed.
The man conducted a "treat game" with the minors, the prosecutor stated, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to ingest treats "rapidly".
She stated to the judge the defendant had engaged in this activity with the children "for many years", and minors had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She said Ruben had been able to explain this for many years as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had concerns in summer 2025.
The legal representative added: "In the summer" his family member had concerns about the situation, justifiably.
"They decided to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC said items including infant oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were discovered, and his family member alerted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She said the defendant went on to play the "sweet game" with six children that night - July 26th - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that time," she added.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, previously told that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the incident.
The legal representative explained the minors were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so the family member notified the authorities once more.
She said Ruben then conducted the "candy game" in a space of five minors.
