A person who spiked candy with tranquilliser and distributed them to youngsters at a summer camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offenses against two boys both nine and 10.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight youngsters and an older person fell ill at the facility in the summer month.
The elderly man, from that region, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he stood at the judicial center on the end of the week.
Yet, he refused to admit one particular crime he was charged with, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was held in detention before a subsequent court date on late November.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, detailed the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She stated his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a summer program which he operated.
Ruben played a "sweet game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior said, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She told the court the defendant had conducted this practice with the children "over an extended period", and minors had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She stated Ruben had been able to explain this for many years as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had suspicions in July 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "Recently" his family member had worries about the activities, with valid cause.
"They chose" to have a look in the individual's items."
The prosecutor explained materials including baby oil, Vaseline and syringes were located, and his family member alerted the police about his worries.
She explained the defendant went on to engage in the "sweet game" with six boys that night - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"The police had not responded by that time," she continued.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, had stated that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
The prosecutor stated the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson notified the law enforcement once more.
She said the man then engaged in the "candy game" in a room of five youngsters.
