An individual who spiked candy with tranquilliser and distributed them to children at a summer program in Leicestershire has admitted sexual crimes against two boys aged nine and ten years old.
The defendant was detained after eight youngsters and one adult became sick at the location in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he stood at the judicial center on Friday.
However, he denied one particular crime he was facing, which was against a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was remanded in custody prior to a subsequent court date on late November.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, handling the case, described the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She stated his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer camp which he managed.
The man engaged in a "candy game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel stated, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and tell them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She told the court Ruben had conducted this practice with the children "over an extended period", and minors had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She explained the man had been able to explain this for many years as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had suspicions in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "In the summer" his stepchild had worries about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They chose" to have a look in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC stated objects including lubricant, petroleum jelly and injection devices were located, and his family member contacted the authorities about his concerns.
She said the defendant continued to conduct the "candy game" with six boys that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the next day.
"The police had not arrived by that time," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was reviewing the police response of the events.
The legal representative explained the minors were struggling to walk due to their condition, so the family member contacted the authorities a second time.
She stated the defendant then engaged in the "candy game" in a area of five youngsters.
