A man who laced candy with tranquilliser and provided them to youngsters at a summer program in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two children who were nine and 10.
The accused was taken into custody after eight youngsters and an older person became sick at the facility in July.
The elderly man, from that region, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he stood at the judicial center on the end of the week.
Yet, he disputed one particular crime he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was kept in jail ahead of a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, detailed the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She explained his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a youth camp which he managed.
The man conducted a "treat game" with the children, the prosecutor said, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and request they to ingest treats "rapidly".
She told the court the defendant had engaged in this activity with the boys "repeatedly", and youngsters had previously become sick the following morning.
She said Ruben had been able to explain this over a long period as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had worries in summer 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "Recently" his family member had worries about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They decided to examine in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC said items including infant oil, petroleum jelly and syringes were located, and his family member contacted the police about his concerns.
She explained the man continued to conduct the "candy game" with six boys that time - that Saturday - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that point," she stated further.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, had stated that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
The legal representative stated the children were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson notified the authorities a second time.
She explained the defendant then conducted the "sweet game" in a area of five minors.
