A man who spiked treats with sedative and distributed them to children at a summer program in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offences against two children both nine and 10.
The accused was arrested after eight youngsters and a grown-up fell ill at Stathern Lodge in July.
The 76-year-old, from that region, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he stood at the judicial center on recently.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit one particular crime he was charged with, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody prior to a further hearing on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, described Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She stated his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a summer program which he operated.
The defendant conducted a "treat game" with the children, the prosecutor explained, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and tell them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the man had conducted this practice with the boys "repeatedly", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the next day.
She stated Ruben had been able to explain this for many years as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had worries in July 2025.
The legal representative continued: "Recently" his stepson had suspicions about what was going on, for good reason.
"They decided to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor explained items including infant oil, Vaseline and syringes were found, and his family member alerted the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She said Ruben proceeded to play the "sweet game" with six youngsters that time - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that stage," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, previously told that it was reviewing the police response of the incident.
The prosecutor explained the children were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the family member notified the law enforcement again.
She said the defendant then engaged in the "treat game" in a area of five minors.
