An individual who laced candy with tranquilliser and provided them to children at a youth camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two children who were nine and 10.
The accused was arrested after eight youngsters and an older person became sick at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The elderly man, from that region, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at the judicial center on Friday.
Yet, he denied one particular crime he was charged with, which was against a young boy.
The accused was remanded in custody ahead of a further hearing on 28 November.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, outlined the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She said his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer program which he operated.
Ruben conducted a "candy game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had played this game with the children "repeatedly", and minors had previously become sick the next day.
She explained the man had been able to explain this for many years as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had worries in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "This year his family member had concerns about the situation, justifiably.
"They decided to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel explained materials including infant oil, ointment and injection devices were located, and his family member notified the authorities about his worries.
She said the man proceeded to play the "candy game" with six youngsters that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the next day.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that time," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was reviewing the police response of the events.
Mrs Prior stated the children were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the stepson contacted the law enforcement a second time.
She stated Ruben then engaged in the "sweet game" in a room of five children.
