A man who spiked sweets with sedative and distributed them to children at a youth camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two children both nine and 10.
The defendant was detained after eight children and an older person experienced illness at the location in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from that region, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he stood at the judicial center on the end of the week.
Yet, he denied one particular crime he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was remanded in custody ahead of a further hearing on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, described the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She stated his those affected were under-privileged children who were participating in a summer camp which he operated.
The man engaged in a "candy game" with the minors, the legal counsel explained, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had engaged in this activity with the children "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She explained Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had worries in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "Recently" his stepchild had suspicions about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They chose" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC said items including lubricant, petroleum jelly and injection devices were discovered, and his stepchild notified the law enforcement about his worries.
She said Ruben went on to engage in the "treat game" with six youngsters that night - July 26th - and they were all ill the next day.
"The police had not responded by that time," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
The legal representative explained the minors were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the stepson called the police again.
She said the man then engaged in the "candy game" in a room of five children.
