An individual who spiked sweets with sedative and distributed them to minors at a summer program in Leicestershire has admitted sexual crimes against two children aged nine and 10.
The accused was taken into custody after eight youngsters and one adult experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in July.
The elderly man, from that region, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the judicial center on recently.
However, he denied one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was involving a young boy.
The accused was kept in jail prior to a additional proceeding on late November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, detailed the criminal behavior to the court.
She stated his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a summer program which he managed.
The defendant engaged in a "treat game" with the minors, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the man had played this game with the children "for many years", and children had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She explained Ruben had been able to explain this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had worries in July 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "In the summer" his stepson had worries about the situation, for good reason.
"They resolved" to examine in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC said materials including baby oil, ointment and injection devices were located, and his family member notified the police about his suspicions.
She said Ruben proceeded to engage in the "treat game" with six boys that time - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"The police had not arrived by that stage," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, previously told that it was examining the police response of the events.
The legal representative explained the youngsters were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson notified the authorities a second time.
She explained the man then engaged in the "sweet game" in a room of five minors.
