An individual who spiked treats with tranquilliser and provided them to minors at a summer program in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two boys aged nine and ten years old.
The accused was detained after eight children and an older person experienced illness at the facility in the summer month.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the courthouse on recently.
Nevertheless, he disputed a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was involving a young boy.
Ruben was held in detention ahead of a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, detailed Ruben's offending to the court.
She explained his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a summer program which he managed.
The defendant conducted a "sweet game" with the children, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and request they to ingest treats "rapidly".
She told the court Ruben had conducted this practice with the young males "for many years", and children had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She stated the man had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had concerns in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "Recently" his family member had concerns about what was going on, for good reason.
"They decided to investigate in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC stated objects including baby oil, ointment and medical needles were found, and his family member contacted the law enforcement about his worries.
She stated the defendant continued to play the "candy game" with six boys that time - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that stage," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, had stated that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the events.
The prosecutor said the minors were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson notified the authorities once more.
She stated the man then conducted the "treat game" in a space of five minors.
