A man who spiked candy with tranquilliser and distributed them to children at a summer program in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two boys aged nine and 10.
The defendant was arrested after eight minors and one adult became sick at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at the courthouse on Friday.
However, he refused to admit one particular crime he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was kept in jail ahead of a additional proceeding on late November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, described Ruben's offending to the court.
She stated his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a summer program which he ran.
Ruben conducted a "sweet game" with the minors, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and request they to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She told the court the defendant had engaged in this activity with the boys "for many years", and children had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She explained the man had been able to explain this for many years as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had suspicions in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "Recently" his family member had worries about the situation, for good reason.
"They decided to investigate in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor said items including lubricant, petroleum jelly and syringes were located, and his family member contacted the law enforcement about his worries.
She explained the defendant proceeded to engage in the "treat game" with six children that evening - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that time," she continued.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, previously told that it was examining law enforcement's management of the incident.
The prosecutor stated the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson notified the police once more.
She said the man then played the "candy game" in a area of five children.
