A man who contaminated treats with sedative and gave them to minors at a youth camp in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual offences against two boys both nine and 10.
The defendant was arrested after eight youngsters and one adult experienced illness at the location in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at the judicial center on recently.
Nevertheless, he disputed one particular crime he was charged with, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was kept in jail prior to a further hearing on 28 November.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, handling the case, outlined the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She stated his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a summer program which he operated.
The man conducted a "treat game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were settling down and request they to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings the man had engaged in this activity with the children "repeatedly", and children had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She stated the man had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had suspicions in July 2025.
The prosecutor added: "In the summer" his stepson had concerns about the activities, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to investigate in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor stated objects including lubricant, petroleum jelly and medical needles were found, and his family member alerted the law enforcement about his worries.
She said the man continued to engage in the "treat game" with six boys that night - July 26th - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that time," she added.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the situation.
The legal representative said the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so the family member notified the law enforcement a second time.
She said Ruben then engaged in the "candy game" in a space of five children.
