A man who laced candy with sleeping medication and distributed them to children at a summer camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two boys aged nine and 10.
The accused was taken into custody after eight youngsters and an older person became sick at the location in July.
The senior citizen, from that region, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he denied one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
The accused was remanded in custody ahead of a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, detailed the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She stated his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a summer program which he managed.
Ruben conducted a "candy game" with the minors, Mrs Prior said, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings the man had played this game with the young males "repeatedly", and minors had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She said the defendant had been able to explain this over a long period as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had worries in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "Recently" his stepson had suspicions about the situation, with valid cause.
"They decided to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel stated items including lubricant, Vaseline and syringes were located, and his family member contacted the authorities about his suspicions.
She explained Ruben continued to conduct the "sweet game" with six children that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that time," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, had stated that it was examining law enforcement's management of the incident.
The legal representative explained the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson called the police a second time.
She said the defendant then conducted the "candy game" in a space of five children.
