An individual who spiked sweets with sleeping medication and gave them to children at a summer program in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual offences against two children aged between nine and ten.
The defendant was arrested after eight children and one adult became sick at the location in the summer month.
The elderly man, from that region, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
However, he disputed one particular crime he was facing, which was concerning a young boy.
The defendant was held in detention prior to a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, outlined the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She explained his those affected were under-privileged children who were participating in a summer camp which he managed.
Ruben engaged in a "treat game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel explained, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She told the court the defendant had engaged in this activity with the children "over an extended period", and minors had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She said the man had been able to explain this for many years as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had suspicions in summer 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "In the summer" his stepson had suspicions about the situation, for good reason.
"They decided to examine in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC said items including lubricant, ointment and medical needles were located, and his family member notified the authorities about his worries.
She said Ruben proceeded to conduct the "candy game" with six boys that evening - that Saturday - and they were all ill the next day.
"The police had not gone out by that stage," she continued.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, previously told that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the events.
The prosecutor said the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so the stepson notified the police again.
She explained the man then engaged in the "candy game" in a area of five youngsters.
