An individual who spiked sweets with sleeping medication and gave them to youngsters at a summer program in Leicestershire has admitted sexual crimes against two boys who were nine and ten years old.
The accused was detained after eight youngsters and one adult became sick at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at the courthouse on recently.
However, he denied one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was concerning a young boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody prior to a further hearing on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, outlined the defendant's actions to the court.
She stated his those affected were under-privileged children who were participating in a summer program which he managed.
Ruben conducted a "sweet game" with the children, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would go into the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had played this game with the children "for many years", and minors had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She explained Ruben had been able to explain this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had concerns in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "Recently" his stepchild had concerns about what was going on, justifiably.
"They resolved" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC stated items including lubricant, ointment and syringes were found, and his family member alerted the police about his concerns.
She said the defendant went on to play the "candy game" with six children that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the next day.
"The police had not responded by that time," she added.
The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
The legal representative said the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the stepson called the law enforcement once more.
She said the defendant then engaged in the "treat game" in a room of five youngsters.
