A person who laced candy with tranquilliser and provided them to minors at a summer program in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two young males who were nine and ten years old.
The accused was detained after eight children and one adult became sick at the location in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
However, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was against a young boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody prior to a further hearing on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, detailed Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She explained his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a youth camp which he operated.
The man conducted a "candy game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and request they to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings the man had played this game with the boys "for many years", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She stated Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had concerns in summer 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "This year his stepson had concerns about what was going on, justifiably.
"They chose" to examine in the individual's items."
The prosecutor explained items including infant oil, ointment and medical needles were located, and his family member alerted the authorities about his suspicions.
She stated the man proceeded to play the "candy game" with six youngsters that evening - July 26th - and they were all sick the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that stage," she added.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was investigating the police response of the incident.
Mrs Prior said the youngsters were struggling to walk due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson called the police again.
She stated the man then engaged in the "treat game" in a space of five minors.
