A man who laced candy with tranquilliser and gave them to youngsters at a summer program in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual offences against two children who were between nine and ten.
The defendant was detained after eight minors and a grown-up fell ill at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he was present at the judicial center on the end of the week.
However, he denied one particular crime he was charged with, which was concerning a young boy.
Ruben was kept in jail prior to a subsequent court date on late November.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, handling the case, described the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She stated his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a summer program which he managed.
Ruben conducted a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel stated, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge the defendant had engaged in this activity with the children "over an extended period", and minors had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She stated the man had been capable of justifying this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had concerns in July 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "In the summer" his stepson had worries about the activities, with valid cause.
"They decided to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel explained objects including lubricant, petroleum jelly and syringes were discovered, and his stepson notified the police about his suspicions.
She stated Ruben proceeded to play the "sweet game" with six youngsters that evening - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that stage," she added.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was reviewing the police response of the incident.
The legal representative stated the children were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so the stepson called the law enforcement again.
She explained Ruben then conducted the "treat game" in a area of five minors.
