An individual who spiked candy with tranquilliser and distributed them to children at a youth camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two boys aged nine and ten years old.
The accused was detained after eight youngsters and a grown-up fell ill at the facility in July.
The senior citizen, from that region, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at the courthouse on the end of the week.
However, he refused to admit one particular crime he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was remanded in custody prior to a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, detailed the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She said his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer camp which he operated.
Ruben engaged in a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel explained, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and request they to consume candy "rapidly".
She stated to the judge the defendant had conducted this practice with the boys "repeatedly", and children had previously become sick the next day.
She stated the defendant had been able to explain this repeatedly as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had worries in July 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "Recently" his stepchild had concerns about the situation, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel stated objects including infant oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were found, and his stepson contacted the police about his suspicions.
She explained Ruben continued to engage in the "candy game" with six youngsters that night - July 26th - and they were all ill the following morning.
"Authorities" had not responded by that point," she continued.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the situation.
The prosecutor explained the children were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the family member called the law enforcement again.
She stated Ruben then played the "treat game" in a area of five children.
