A person who laced candy with tranquilliser and gave them to minors at a summer camp in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual crimes against two children both nine and 10.
The accused was arrested after eight children and one adult became sick at the facility in July.
The elderly man, from that region, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the courthouse on Friday.
Yet, he disputed one particular crime he was facing, which was against a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was held in detention before a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, detailed the criminal behavior to the court.
She explained his those affected were under-privileged children who were attending a summer program which he managed.
The defendant played a "candy game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor explained, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and request they to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She told the court Ruben had conducted this practice with the young males "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously become sick the next day.
She stated the man had been able to explain this for many years as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had worries in summer 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "Recently" his stepchild had concerns about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor stated objects including baby oil, ointment and medical needles were discovered, and his stepchild alerted the authorities about his suspicions.
She stated the man proceeded to conduct the "treat game" with six youngsters that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the following morning.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that time," she continued.
The oversight body, the investigative body, previously told that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the situation.
Mrs Prior explained the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson contacted the authorities once more.
She stated the defendant then played the "candy game" in a room of five youngsters.
