A man who contaminated candy with sedative and distributed them to children at a summer camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offences against two boys aged between nine and ten.
The defendant was arrested after eight minors and an older person became sick at the location in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at the judicial center on Friday.
However, he denied a single sexual charge he was facing, which was involving a young boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody ahead of a further hearing on late November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, outlined the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She explained his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a youth camp which he managed.
Ruben conducted a "candy game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were settling down and ask them to eat sweets "rapidly".
She stated to the judge Ruben had engaged in this activity with the boys "over an extended period", and children had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She explained the man had been able to explain this for many years as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had concerns in summer 2025.
The prosecutor added: "Recently" his stepson had suspicions about the activities, justifiably.
"They decided to examine in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor said objects including baby oil, ointment and syringes were located, and his family member notified the police about his suspicions.
She said the man proceeded to conduct the "sweet game" with six boys that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"The police had not responded by that stage," she added.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, had stated that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
Mrs Prior explained the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the stepson contacted the police again.
She stated the man then conducted the "candy game" in a room of five youngsters.
