A person who spiked sweets with tranquilliser and gave them to youngsters at a summer program in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offenses against two boys who were between nine and ten.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight children and a grown-up experienced illness at the location in July.
The elderly man, from that region, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at the courthouse on Friday.
Yet, he denied one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody before a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, described the defendant's actions to the court.
She explained his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a youth camp which he operated.
Ruben played a "treat game" with the children, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and request they to eat sweets "rapidly".
She told the court the man had played this game with the children "over an extended period", and minors had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She stated the defendant had been capable of justifying this repeatedly as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had suspicions in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "In the summer" his family member had suspicions about what was going on, justifiably.
"They decided to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC explained items including baby oil, Vaseline and injection devices were found, and his stepchild notified the law enforcement about his worries.
She stated the man continued to engage in the "candy game" with six boys that time - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"The police had not gone out by that time," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was examining law enforcement's management of the events.
Mrs Prior stated the children were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the stepson called the authorities again.
She said Ruben then conducted the "treat game" in a area of five children.
