A man who contaminated candy with sleeping medication and distributed them to youngsters at a summer program in Leicestershire has admitted sexual crimes against two boys who were nine and 10.
The accused was arrested after eight youngsters and one adult fell ill at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at the courthouse on recently.
However, he disputed one particular crime he was accused of, which was involving a young boy.
The accused was kept in jail before a further hearing on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, handling the case, detailed the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She explained his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a youth camp which he operated.
The defendant conducted a "candy game" with the children, Mrs Prior said, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to ingest treats "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had conducted this practice with the children "over an extended period", and minors had previously become sick the following morning.
She stated Ruben had been able to explain this repeatedly as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had suspicions in summer 2025.
The prosecutor added: "In the summer" his family member had suspicions about the activities, with valid cause.
"They decided to investigate in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC said objects including infant oil, petroleum jelly and injection devices were discovered, and his stepson notified the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She said Ruben went on to play the "sweet game" with six youngsters that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"The police had not gone out by that point," she added.
The oversight body, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was examining law enforcement's management of the incident.
Mrs Prior said the minors were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so the stepson called the authorities again.
She explained the defendant then engaged in the "treat game" in a space of five minors.
