A person who spiked candy with sedative and distributed them to youngsters at a summer program in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two children both nine and ten years old.
The accused was taken into custody after eight children and one adult became sick at the location in July.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Yet, he denied one particular crime he was accused of, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was remanded in custody before a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, described Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She said his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer program which he ran.
The defendant played a "treat game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel stated, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to ingest treats "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had conducted this practice with the boys "repeatedly", and children had previously fallen ill the next day.
She explained the man had been able to explain this for many years as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had suspicions in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "In the summer" his stepson had suspicions about the situation, justifiably.
"They resolved" to have a look in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC stated items including lubricant, Vaseline and injection devices were discovered, and his stepchild contacted the authorities about his worries.
She explained Ruben continued to engage in the "candy game" with six children that night - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that time," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, previously told that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
The prosecutor explained the children were struggling to walk due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson notified the law enforcement a second time.
She stated the defendant then conducted the "candy game" in a area of five minors.
