A person who contaminated treats with tranquilliser and distributed them to youngsters at a summer program in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two young males aged nine and 10.
The defendant was arrested after eight youngsters and one adult fell ill at the facility in July.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the judicial center on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he denied one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was involving a young boy.
The accused was kept in jail ahead of a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, described the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She explained his targets were under-privileged children who were attending a summer camp which he ran.
The defendant conducted a "treat game" with the children, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to consume candy "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings the man had engaged in this activity with the boys "repeatedly", and children had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She said Ruben had been able to explain this for many years as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had suspicions in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "In the summer" his stepchild had concerns about what was going on, for good reason.
"They chose" to investigate in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC stated items including baby oil, ointment and syringes were found, and his family member notified the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She stated the man went on to engage in the "sweet game" with six children that evening - that Saturday - and they were all sick the following morning.
"The police had not responded by that time," she stated further.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
Mrs Prior explained the youngsters were struggling to walk due to their condition, so the stepson notified the police once more.
She stated the man then conducted the "sweet game" in a space of five youngsters.
