A man who spiked treats with tranquilliser and provided them to youngsters at a summer program in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two boys aged nine and 10.
The accused was arrested after eight minors and an older person experienced illness at the facility in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from that region, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at the judicial center on recently.
Yet, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was kept in jail prior to a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, described Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She said his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer program which he ran.
The man conducted a "treat game" with the children, Mrs Prior said, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She told the court the man had played this game with the boys "for many years", and children had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She said Ruben had been able to explain this over a long period as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had concerns in July 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "In the summer" his stepson had concerns about what was going on, justifiably.
"They resolved" to investigate in the individual's items."
The legal counsel stated items including baby oil, petroleum jelly and injection devices were discovered, and his stepchild contacted the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She said the defendant continued to conduct the "treat game" with six youngsters that time - that Saturday - and they were all sick the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that stage," she added.
The oversight body, the investigative body, had stated that it was investigating the police response of the events.
The prosecutor explained the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson notified the authorities once more.
She explained the man then engaged in the "candy game" in a space of five minors.
