A man who spiked sweets with sleeping medication and distributed them to minors at a summer program in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual offences against two boys both between nine and ten.
The accused was arrested after eight youngsters and a grown-up fell ill at the facility in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he disputed a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody ahead of a further hearing on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, described Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She said his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a summer camp which he ran.
The defendant engaged in a "candy game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor stated, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and request they to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She told the court the man had played this game with the boys "repeatedly", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She explained the man had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had suspicions in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "In the summer" his stepchild had worries about the situation, with valid cause.
"They chose" to have a look in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel said materials including baby oil, Vaseline and syringes were located, and his stepson contacted the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She said Ruben proceeded to conduct the "sweet game" with six children that evening - July 26th - and they were all sick the next day.
"The police had not arrived by that time," she continued.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the incident.
Mrs Prior said the minors were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson called the authorities a second time.
She said the defendant then conducted the "candy game" in a space of five minors.
