A person who contaminated sweets with tranquilliser and provided them to youngsters at a summer program in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two children both nine and ten years old.
The accused was taken into custody after eight minors and one adult fell ill at the facility in July.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was involving a young boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody before a subsequent court date on late November.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, detailed the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She said his victims were under-privileged children who were participating in a youth camp which he operated.
The defendant engaged in a "candy game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor said, in which he would go into the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and tell them to ingest treats "rapidly".
She stated to the judge the defendant had played this game with the young males "repeatedly", and minors had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She said Ruben had been able to explain this for many years as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had suspicions in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "Recently" his stepchild had concerns about the situation, for good reason.
"They chose" to examine in the individual's items."
The legal counsel explained objects including infant oil, ointment and syringes were located, and his stepchild notified the police about his worries.
She explained Ruben proceeded to play the "candy game" with six youngsters that time - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Authorities" had not responded by that time," she added.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
The legal representative explained the minors were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so the family member called the police a second time.
She stated Ruben then engaged in the "candy game" in a space of five children.
