A person who spiked sweets with sedative and gave them to youngsters at a summer program in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual crimes against two boys aged between nine and ten.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight children and an older person fell ill at the facility in mid-summer.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Yet, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was involving a young boy.
The accused was held in detention prior to a subsequent court date on late November.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, outlined the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She said his targets were under-privileged children who were attending a youth camp which he operated.
The defendant conducted a "candy game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel stated, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and ask them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge the man had conducted this practice with the boys "for many years", and children had previously become sick the following morning.
She said Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had concerns in summer 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "Recently" his stepson had concerns about what was going on, justifiably.
"They decided to have a look in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC explained materials including infant oil, Vaseline and medical needles were found, and his family member notified the authorities about his suspicions.
She stated the man continued to play the "sweet game" with six youngsters that night - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"The police had not responded by that time," she added.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, had stated that it was investigating the police response of the incident.
The prosecutor stated the children were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the family member notified the police once more.
She said Ruben then engaged in the "sweet game" in a area of five minors.
