A man who laced sweets with tranquilliser and distributed them to children at a youth camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offenses against two children both between nine and ten.
The accused was taken into custody after eight minors and one adult became sick at the facility in July.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the judicial center on recently.
However, he denied one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was against a young boy.
The defendant was kept in jail prior to a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, described the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She stated his victims were under-privileged children who were staying at a summer program which he managed.
Ruben conducted a "candy game" with the minors, Mrs Prior said, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to eat sweets "rapidly".
She told the court the defendant had played this game with the boys "for many years", and youngsters had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She stated Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had concerns in July 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "Recently" his stepson had worries about the situation, with valid cause.
"They chose" to examine in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC stated objects including infant oil, ointment and syringes were found, and his family member alerted the police about his worries.
She said the man went on to engage in the "treat game" with six boys that night - July 26th - and they were all ill the next day.
"The police had not responded by that time," she stated further.
The oversight body, the investigative body, previously told that it was examining the police response of the situation.
Mrs Prior said the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson notified the law enforcement again.
She said the man then conducted the "sweet game" in a area of five children.
