An individual who laced candy with tranquilliser and distributed them to youngsters at a youth camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two young males aged nine and 10.
The accused was detained after eight children and one adult became sick at the facility in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Nevertheless, he disputed a single sexual charge he was facing, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was kept in jail before a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, detailed the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She stated his victims were under-privileged children who were participating in a summer camp which he ran.
Ruben conducted a "candy game" with the minors, the prosecutor said, in which he would go into the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings the man had conducted this practice with the boys "repeatedly", and minors had previously fallen ill the next day.
She said the defendant had been able to explain this over a long period as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had concerns in July 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "Recently" his family member had suspicions about the situation, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to examine in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor stated materials including baby oil, Vaseline and injection devices were discovered, and his stepchild alerted the law enforcement about his worries.
She explained Ruben went on to play the "treat game" with six youngsters that evening - July 26th - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that stage," she stated further.
The oversight body, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
The legal representative stated the children were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson called the police a second time.
She said the defendant then engaged in the "sweet game" in a area of five minors.
