A man who laced sweets with tranquilliser and distributed them to minors at a summer program in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual offenses against two children both between nine and ten.
The accused was taken into custody after eight youngsters and an older person fell ill at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The elderly man, from that region, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at the courthouse on recently.
However, he disputed a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was concerning a young boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody prior to a subsequent court date on late November.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, handling the case, outlined Ruben's offending to the court.
She explained his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a youth camp which he ran.
Ruben conducted a "treat game" with the minors, the prosecutor said, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and request they to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge Ruben had engaged in this activity with the children "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the next day.
She said the defendant had been capable of justifying this repeatedly as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had suspicions in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "This year his stepson had concerns about what was going on, justifiably.
"They resolved" to investigate in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC stated items including lubricant, ointment and medical needles were found, and his stepchild alerted the authorities about his worries.
She said the defendant went on to conduct the "sweet game" with six youngsters that evening - July 26th - and they were all sick the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that point," she added.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, had stated that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the situation.
Mrs Prior said the children were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the family member notified the police again.
She stated Ruben then played the "candy game" in a room of five minors.
