A man who laced candy with sedative and gave them to youngsters at a summer program in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two boys who were nine and ten years old.
The defendant was arrested after eight minors and a grown-up became sick at the facility in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at the courthouse on the end of the week.
Yet, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was against a young boy.
The defendant was kept in jail ahead of a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, outlined the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She explained his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer program which he ran.
The defendant engaged in a "sweet game" with the children, the legal counsel explained, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and tell them to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the man had engaged in this activity with the boys "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously become sick the next day.
She said Ruben had been capable of justifying this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had concerns in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "This year his stepchild had concerns about the activities, justifiably.
"They resolved" to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel stated materials including baby oil, Vaseline and syringes were located, and his stepchild alerted the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She explained Ruben went on to play the "treat game" with six children that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the following morning.
"The police had not responded by that time," she added.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, previously told that it was examining law enforcement's management of the situation.
The prosecutor said the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the stepson notified the police a second time.
She said Ruben then played the "sweet game" in a room of five youngsters.
