A person who spiked treats with tranquilliser and gave them to minors at a summer program in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual offenses against two young males both nine and ten years old.
The accused was taken into custody after eight youngsters and one adult fell ill at the facility in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Yet, he refused to admit one particular crime he was facing, which was involving a young boy.
The defendant was held in detention before a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, detailed the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She explained his targets were under-privileged children who were participating in a summer program which he managed.
Ruben engaged in a "treat game" with the minors, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to eat sweets "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had conducted this practice with the boys "repeatedly", and children had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She explained Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had worries in summer 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "In the summer" his family member had suspicions about the activities, with valid cause.
"They decided to have a look in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor stated items including baby oil, petroleum jelly and syringes were found, and his stepson notified the authorities about his suspicions.
She stated the man went on to play the "candy game" with six youngsters that night - July 26th - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that point," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, had stated that it was examining the police response of the situation.
Mrs Prior said the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson called the police again.
She explained Ruben then played the "treat game" in a space of five youngsters.
