An individual who spiked treats with tranquilliser and provided them to minors at a youth camp in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual offenses against two young males who were between nine and ten.
The defendant was detained after eight minors and an older person experienced illness at the facility in July.
The 76-year-old, from that region, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at the judicial center on Friday.
Yet, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was facing, which was concerning a young boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody ahead of a additional proceeding on late November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, detailed Ruben's offending to the court.
She said his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a summer camp which he ran.
The defendant engaged in a "candy game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor said, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to consume candy "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had engaged in this activity with the children "over an extended period", and children had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She explained Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had concerns in July 2025.
The prosecutor added: "In the summer" his family member had worries about the activities, with valid cause.
"They decided to examine in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC stated materials including infant oil, Vaseline and syringes were located, and his stepson contacted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She said the man proceeded to conduct the "sweet game" with six youngsters that night - that Saturday - and they were all ill the next day.
"The police had not arrived by that stage," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was examining law enforcement's management of the situation.
The prosecutor said the minors were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson called the authorities a second time.
She stated the man then conducted the "treat game" in a space of five children.
