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A man who spiked sweets with sedative and distributed them to youngsters at a summer camp in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual offences against two boys aged between nine and ten.

The accused was arrested after eight youngsters and one adult fell ill at the facility in the summer month.

The 76-year-old, from that region, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the judicial center on recently.

Nevertheless, he refused to admit one particular crime he was charged with, which was against a nine-year-old boy.

Ruben was remanded in custody ahead of a further hearing on November 28th.

'Candy game'

The legal representative, presenting evidence, outlined the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.

She stated his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer program which he ran.

Ruben conducted a "candy game" with the minors, the prosecutor explained, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and ask them to eat sweets "as fast as possible".

She stated to the judge the defendant had conducted this practice with the young males "for many years", and children had previously fallen ill the following morning.

She said the man had been capable of justifying this repeatedly as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had worries in summer 2025.

Mrs Prior KC continued: "Recently" his family member had worries about what was going on, justifiably.

"They chose" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."

The prosecutor explained objects including lubricant, petroleum jelly and syringes were found, and his family member notified the authorities about his suspicions.

She explained the defendant continued to conduct the "candy game" with six youngsters that night - July 26th - and they were all sick the following morning.

"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that stage," she continued.

The police watchdog, the investigative body, previously told that it was examining the police response of the situation.

The legal representative said the children were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the stepson called the police again.

She explained the man then conducted the "treat game" in a area of five youngsters.