A person who spiked treats with sleeping medication and provided them to youngsters at a summer program in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two young males both between nine and ten.
The accused was arrested after eight youngsters and a grown-up experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in July.
The 76-year-old, from that region, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at the judicial center on Friday.
However, he refused to admit one particular crime he was facing, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was remanded in custody prior to a further hearing on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, described the defendant's actions to the court.
She said his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a youth camp which he managed.
Ruben engaged in a "sweet game" with the children, the legal counsel explained, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were settling down and tell them to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had engaged in this activity with the young males "for many years", and minors had previously fallen ill the next day.
She stated the man had been capable of justifying this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had concerns in July 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "In the summer" his stepchild had worries about the activities, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to investigate in the individual's items."
The legal counsel said objects including lubricant, ointment and syringes were located, and his stepchild alerted the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She explained the defendant proceeded to conduct the "sweet game" with six boys that evening - July 26th - and they were all ill the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that point," she added.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was examining law enforcement's management of the events.
Mrs Prior stated the minors were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson contacted the authorities once more.
She stated the man then played the "candy game" in a space of five minors.
