A man who laced treats with sedative and provided them to youngsters at a summer program in Leicestershire has admitted sexual crimes against two young males aged between nine and ten.
The defendant was detained after eight minors and a grown-up became sick at the location in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at the courthouse on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he denied one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was held in detention prior to a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, described Ruben's offending to the court.
She explained his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a youth camp which he operated.
The defendant played a "candy game" with the minors, the prosecutor stated, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to ingest treats "rapidly".
She stated to the judge the man had engaged in this activity with the children "over an extended period", and minors had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She explained the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had concerns in July 2025.
The legal representative continued: "Recently" his family member had suspicions about the activities, with valid cause.
"They chose" to examine in the individual's items."
The legal counsel stated items including baby oil, Vaseline and injection devices were discovered, and his stepson alerted the law enforcement about his worries.
She stated Ruben continued to play the "sweet game" with six youngsters that time - July 26th - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that time," she added.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was examining the police response of the situation.
The legal representative stated the children were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so the stepson notified the authorities a second time.
She stated Ruben then conducted the "treat game" in a space of five minors.
