A person who contaminated treats with tranquilliser and provided them to children at a summer program in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual offenses against two boys both between nine and ten.
The accused was taken into custody after eight children and one adult experienced illness at the facility in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from that region, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
However, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was against a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was remanded in custody ahead of a further hearing on November 28th.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, detailed Ruben's offending to the court.
She said his those affected were under-privileged children who were staying at a summer program which he operated.
Ruben conducted a "candy game" with the minors, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were settling down and request they to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had engaged in this activity with the children "over an extended period", and minors had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She explained the defendant had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had worries in summer 2025.
The legal representative added: "In the summer" his stepchild had concerns about the activities, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to investigate in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC explained materials including infant oil, petroleum jelly and injection devices were located, and his family member alerted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She said the man went on to conduct the "treat game" with six youngsters that night - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"The police had not arrived by that point," she stated further.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, had stated that it was examining the police response of the incident.
Mrs Prior said the children were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson notified the law enforcement again.
She stated Ruben then played the "sweet game" in a room of five minors.
