An individual who laced candy with tranquilliser and provided them to children at a summer program in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual offences against two children aged nine and 10.
The accused was detained after eight minors and an older person experienced illness at the facility in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from that region, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the courthouse on recently.
However, he disputed one particular crime he was charged with, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody ahead of a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, detailed Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She stated his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer camp which he operated.
Ruben conducted a "sweet game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were settling down and tell them to consume candy "rapidly".
She stated to the judge the man had played this game with the boys "for many years", and minors had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She explained the man had been able to explain this over a long period as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had worries in July 2025.
The legal representative continued: "Recently" his family member had worries about what was going on, justifiably.
"They resolved" to have a look in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor said objects including lubricant, petroleum jelly and injection devices were located, and his stepchild contacted the authorities about his suspicions.
She stated the man proceeded to play the "treat game" with six youngsters that time - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that time," she continued.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, previously told that it was examining the police response of the incident.
Mrs Prior said the minors were struggling to walk due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson notified the authorities again.
She stated the defendant then engaged in the "sweet game" in a space of five minors.