A man who contaminated treats with tranquilliser and gave them to children at a summer camp in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual offenses against two children both between nine and ten.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight minors and an older person experienced illness at the facility in July.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at the judicial center on the end of the week.
However, he denied a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody ahead of a further hearing on 28 November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, described the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She stated his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a youth camp which he managed.
The man conducted a "candy game" with the minors, the legal counsel said, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to consume candy "rapidly".
She stated to the judge Ruben had engaged in this activity with the young males "repeatedly", and minors had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She explained the man had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had suspicions in summer 2025.
The legal representative continued: "Recently" his stepson had worries about the activities, for good reason.
"They resolved" to investigate in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC said materials including infant oil, Vaseline and medical needles were located, and his family member contacted the authorities about his suspicions.
She explained Ruben proceeded to engage in the "candy game" with six children that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that stage," she continued.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was examining law enforcement's management of the incident.
The legal representative stated the children were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the family member notified the law enforcement once more.
She stated the defendant then engaged in the "treat game" in a area of five children.