A man who spiked candy with tranquilliser and gave them to youngsters at a youth camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two children both between nine and ten.
The accused was taken into custody after eight children and one adult fell ill at the location in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he was present at the courthouse on the end of the week.
However, he disputed a single sexual charge he was facing, which was involving a young boy.
The defendant was held in detention ahead of a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, detailed the defendant's actions to the court.
She stated his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer program which he managed.
Ruben engaged in a "treat game" with the children, Mrs Prior said, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and request they to ingest treats "rapidly".
She stated to the judge Ruben had conducted this practice with the young males "over an extended period", and children had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She said the man had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had worries in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "In the summer" his stepchild had concerns about the situation, with valid cause.
"They decided to have a look in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC said materials including baby oil, ointment and medical needles were found, and his family member notified the authorities about his worries.
She said Ruben went on to conduct the "candy game" with six youngsters that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"The police had not gone out by that point," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
The legal representative said the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson contacted the police once more.
She explained the defendant then played the "candy game" in a area of five children.
