An individual who laced treats with tranquilliser and distributed them to minors at a summer program in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two young males who were nine and 10.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight youngsters and an older person became sick at the location in the summer month.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the courthouse on the end of the week.
However, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody before a further hearing on November 28th.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, detailed the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She stated his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer program which he ran.
The man conducted a "candy game" with the children, the legal counsel said, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She told the court the defendant had played this game with the boys "repeatedly", and children had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She explained Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had concerns in July 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "In the summer" his family member had suspicions about the activities, for good reason.
"They resolved" to investigate in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC stated materials including lubricant, Vaseline and medical needles were found, and his family member alerted the police about his suspicions.
She stated the man proceeded to conduct the "sweet game" with six children that time - July 26th - and they were all sick the following morning.
"The police had not responded by that time," she continued.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the incident.
The legal representative stated the minors were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the family member called the police again.
She said the defendant then conducted the "candy game" in a area of five minors.
