An individual who contaminated treats with tranquilliser and distributed them to children at a summer program in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual offenses against two children both between nine and ten.
The defendant was arrested after eight youngsters and a grown-up fell ill at the facility in July.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was concerning a young boy.
The accused was remanded in custody prior to a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, detailed the criminal behavior to the court.
She said his targets were under-privileged children who were attending a summer camp which he managed.
The defendant conducted a "treat game" with the children, the legal counsel explained, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She told the court the defendant had conducted this practice with the children "over an extended period", and children had previously fallen ill the next day.
She said Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had concerns in summer 2025.
The legal representative added: "Recently" his stepchild had suspicions about the situation, with valid cause.
"They decided to examine in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel explained items including lubricant, ointment and medical needles were found, and his stepson notified the police about his concerns.
She said the man proceeded to play the "candy game" with six children that night - July 26th - and they were all ill the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that stage," she stated further.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was investigating the police response of the situation.
Mrs Prior stated the minors were struggling to walk due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson called the law enforcement once more.
She said the man then played the "candy game" in a space of five children.
