A man who spiked treats with tranquilliser and provided them to youngsters at a summer program in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offenses against two children both between nine and ten.
The accused was arrested after eight youngsters and one adult fell ill at the facility in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from that region, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Yet, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was against a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was remanded in custody ahead of a further hearing on November 28th.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, detailed Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She explained his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer program which he operated.
The defendant played a "sweet game" with the children, the prosecutor explained, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to ingest treats "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had engaged in this activity with the children "repeatedly", and children had previously become sick the following morning.
She said the man had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had concerns in July 2025.
The prosecutor added: "Recently" his family member had concerns about the activities, for good reason.
"They resolved" to investigate in the individual's items."
The prosecutor stated materials including infant oil, petroleum jelly and syringes were discovered, and his stepchild contacted the authorities about his suspicions.
She said the man went on to play the "candy game" with six youngsters that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that point," she stated further.
The oversight body, the investigative body, had stated that it was examining the police response of the events.
Mrs Prior explained the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the stepson contacted the authorities again.
She said the man then conducted the "sweet game" in a space of five children.
