A man who contaminated treats with sedative and gave them to children at a summer program in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual crimes against two children who were nine and 10.
The defendant was taken into custody 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 total of 17 charges when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
However, he denied a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was remanded in custody ahead of a further hearing on late November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, detailed the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She explained his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a summer program which he operated.
Ruben played a "candy game" with the children, Mrs Prior said, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and request they to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had conducted this practice with the boys "over an extended period", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She stated Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had suspicions in July 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "Recently" his stepchild had suspicions about the activities, for good reason.
"They resolved" to investigate in the individual's items."
The prosecutor said items including infant oil, ointment and syringes were located, and his family member contacted the police about his suspicions.
She said the defendant proceeded to conduct the "treat game" with six children that evening - July 26th - and they were all ill the next day.
"Authorities" had not arrived 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 situation.
The legal representative stated the youngsters were struggling to walk due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson called the police once more.
She stated the defendant then played the "candy game" in a room of five minors.
