An individual who laced sweets with tranquilliser and distributed them to minors at a summer program in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two boys both nine and ten years old.
The accused was arrested after eight minors and one adult experienced illness at the location in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at the judicial center on the end of the week.
However, he denied a single sexual charge he was facing, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was kept in jail before a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, detailed the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She stated his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a youth camp which he managed.
Ruben played a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel said, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and tell them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge Ruben had engaged in this activity with the young males "for many years", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the next day.
She stated the man had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had concerns in summer 2025.
The prosecutor added: "In the summer" his family member had suspicions about the situation, justifiably.
"They chose" to examine in the individual's items."
The legal counsel explained materials including lubricant, Vaseline and injection devices were located, and his stepchild notified the law enforcement about his worries.
She said Ruben went on to engage in the "treat game" with six children that evening - that Saturday - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"The police had not responded by that time," she added.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, had stated that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
The prosecutor explained the children were struggling to walk due to being ill, so the family member notified the authorities again.
She stated Ruben then engaged in the "sweet game" in a space of five youngsters.
