A man who laced candy with tranquilliser and provided them to children at a summer program in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two children who were nine and 10.
The defendant was arrested after eight children and an older person became sick at the location in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from that region, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at the courthouse on Friday.
However, he disputed one particular crime he was accused of, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was kept in jail prior to a additional proceeding on late November.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, described the criminal behavior to the court.
She explained his those affected were under-privileged children who were staying at a summer camp which he operated.
The man engaged in a "treat game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to consume candy "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had engaged in this activity with the children "repeatedly", and children had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She said Ruben had been capable of justifying this repeatedly as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had worries in summer 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "This year his family member had suspicions about the situation, for good reason.
"They resolved" to examine in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor explained items including lubricant, Vaseline and medical needles were found, and his family member notified the authorities about his concerns.
She explained Ruben went on to conduct the "treat game" with six youngsters that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that stage," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
Mrs Prior said the youngsters were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so the family member contacted the law enforcement once more.
She explained the man then engaged in the "candy game" in a area of five children.
