A person who spiked treats with tranquilliser and distributed them to children at a summer program in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two boys who were between nine and ten.
The accused was detained after eight children and a grown-up became sick at the facility in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the courthouse on the end of the week.
Yet, he denied one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was held in detention prior to a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, described the defendant's actions to the court.
She explained his victims were under-privileged children who were staying at a summer camp which he operated.
The man conducted a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor said, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and request they to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had played this game with the boys "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She stated Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had concerns in July 2025.
The legal representative continued: "In the summer" his stepchild had worries about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They chose" to examine in the individual's items."
The prosecutor said objects including infant oil, ointment and medical needles were found, and his stepchild alerted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She stated the defendant proceeded to play the "sweet game" with six children that night - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"The police had not arrived by that time," she added.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, previously told that it was reviewing the police response of the situation.
The legal representative explained the minors were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson contacted the law enforcement once more.
She stated the defendant then conducted the "candy game" in a space of five children.
