A man who contaminated candy with sedative and gave them to youngsters at a summer program in Leicestershire has admitted sexual crimes against two young males who were nine and ten years old.
The defendant was detained after eight minors and one adult fell ill at the location in July.
The 76-year-old, from that region, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at the courthouse on recently.
Yet, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was held in detention prior to a subsequent court date on late November.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, detailed Ruben's offending to the court.
She explained his those affected were under-privileged children who were participating in a summer program which he managed.
The man engaged in a "treat game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior said, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and request they to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the man had engaged in this activity with the young males "repeatedly", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She stated Ruben had been capable of justifying this for many years as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had worries in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "Recently" his stepchild had worries about the situation, with valid cause.
"They chose" to have a look in the individual's items."
The legal counsel stated objects including infant oil, petroleum jelly and injection devices were located, and his stepchild notified the law enforcement about his concerns.
She explained the defendant continued to play the "treat game" with six boys that time - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that stage," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
The legal representative explained the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson called the police again.
She said the defendant then played the "sweet game" in a room of five youngsters.
