An individual who laced candy with sleeping medication and provided them to youngsters at a summer camp in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual crimes against two children who were between nine and ten.
The accused was taken into custody after eight youngsters and one adult became sick at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The elderly man, from that region, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he stood at the courthouse on recently.
However, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was held in detention ahead of a additional proceeding on late November.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, outlined the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She explained his victims were under-privileged children who were participating in a summer program which he operated.
The man engaged in a "candy game" with the children, the prosecutor said, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to ingest treats "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had conducted this practice with the children "over an extended period", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She explained the man had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had concerns in July 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "This year his stepson had concerns about the activities, for good reason.
"They resolved" to have a look in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor stated materials including infant oil, Vaseline and syringes were found, and his stepchild contacted the law enforcement about his worries.
She explained Ruben went on to engage in the "treat game" with six youngsters that night - July 26th - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that time," she added.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
The prosecutor stated the children were struggling to walk due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson notified the law enforcement again.
She stated the man then engaged in the "candy game" in a area of five minors.
