An individual who laced sweets with tranquilliser and distributed them to children at a summer program in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offenses against two boys who were between nine and ten.
The accused was detained after eight minors and a grown-up became sick at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from that region, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Yet, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was against a young boy.
The accused was kept in jail before a further hearing on 28 November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, detailed Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She explained his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer program which he ran.
The man played a "treat game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor explained, in which he would go into the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and request they to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the man had played this game with the young males "for many years", and children had previously become sick the following morning.
She explained the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had suspicions in July 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "This year his stepson had concerns about the activities, for good reason.
"They chose" to examine in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor explained items including infant oil, petroleum jelly and syringes were discovered, and his stepchild contacted the law enforcement about his worries.
She explained Ruben proceeded to conduct the "candy game" with six youngsters that time - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"The police had not gone out by that time," she added.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
The legal representative explained the minors were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so the family member called the law enforcement once more.
She said the man then played the "candy game" in a area of five minors.
