A man who spiked sweets with tranquilliser and gave them to youngsters at a summer program in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offences against two boys who were nine and ten years old.
The accused was detained after eight minors and an older person became sick at the facility in mid-summer.
The senior citizen, from that region, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he stood at the courthouse on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was facing, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was held in detention ahead of a further hearing on late November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, outlined Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She stated his targets were under-privileged children who were attending a youth camp which he ran.
The defendant engaged in a "treat game" with the minors, the prosecutor explained, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge Ruben had engaged in this activity with the young males "over an extended period", and minors had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She stated the man had been able to explain this for many years as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had concerns in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "Recently" his stepchild had concerns about the activities, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to investigate in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC said items including baby oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were located, and his family member notified the law enforcement about his concerns.
She explained Ruben continued to engage in the "candy game" with six boys that evening - that Saturday - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"The police had not arrived by that point," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, previously told that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
The prosecutor explained the minors were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so the family member called the authorities a second time.
She stated the defendant then played the "candy game" in a area of five children.
