A person who contaminated treats with sleeping medication and distributed them to minors at a youth camp in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual crimes against two children aged nine and 10.
The defendant was detained after eight children and an older person became sick at the location in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from that region, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at the courthouse on recently.
However, he refused to admit one particular crime he was facing, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody ahead of a further hearing on late November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, handling the case, detailed Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She explained his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a youth camp which he managed.
The defendant played a "sweet game" with the children, Mrs Prior said, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and ask them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge Ruben had played this game with the children "repeatedly", and children had previously become sick the next day.
She stated Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had suspicions in July 2025.
The legal representative continued: "In the summer" his family member had concerns about the activities, for good reason.
"They decided to examine in the individual's items."
The prosecutor stated materials including lubricant, Vaseline and syringes were found, and his family member contacted the authorities about his concerns.
She stated Ruben continued to play the "candy game" with six children that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that stage," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was examining law enforcement's management of the incident.
The prosecutor explained the children were struggling to walk due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson notified the authorities once more.
She said Ruben then engaged in the "treat game" in a area of five children.
