A man who spiked candy with tranquilliser and provided them to minors at a summer program in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual offences against two boys both nine and 10.
The accused was detained after eight minors and a grown-up fell ill at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from that region, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at the courthouse on Friday.
However, he denied one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was against a young boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody ahead of a further hearing on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, detailed the defendant's actions to the court.
She stated his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer camp which he ran.
The man engaged in a "sweet game" with the minors, the prosecutor explained, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were settling down and request they to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had conducted this practice with the young males "for many years", and minors had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She stated Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had suspicions in July 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "This year his stepson had worries about the situation, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC said materials including infant oil, petroleum jelly and syringes were found, and his stepchild notified the police about his concerns.
She said Ruben went on to engage in the "candy game" with six children that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that time," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, had stated that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
Mrs Prior stated the minors were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the family member called the police again.
She said Ruben then engaged in the "treat game" in a area of five children.
