An individual who laced candy with tranquilliser and distributed them to minors at a youth camp in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual offences against two young males who were nine and ten years old.
The accused was taken into custody after eight children and an older person became sick at the location in the summer month.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
Yet, he denied one particular crime he was facing, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
The accused was held in detention prior to a subsequent court date on late November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, detailed the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She explained his those affected were under-privileged children who were participating in a summer program which he managed.
The man engaged in a "candy game" with the children, the legal counsel said, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and request they to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She told the court Ruben had conducted this practice with the young males "for many years", and children had previously become sick the following morning.
She stated the man had been capable of justifying this for many years as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had concerns in summer 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "Recently" his stepchild had suspicions about the situation, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to have a look in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC stated objects including lubricant, Vaseline and syringes were found, and his stepson notified the police about his concerns.
She explained Ruben continued to engage in the "treat game" with six youngsters that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that stage," she continued.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, previously told that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the situation.
The legal representative explained the minors were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the family member contacted the law enforcement a second time.
She stated the man then played the "treat game" in a area of five minors.
