A man who laced sweets with sedative and distributed them to youngsters at a summer program in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two boys both between nine and ten.
The defendant was detained after eight children and an older person experienced illness at the location in mid-summer.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he stood at the courthouse on Friday.
However, he denied one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was kept in jail before a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, detailed Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She stated his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a summer program which he managed.
The defendant conducted a "sweet game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior said, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to ingest treats "rapidly".
She stated to the judge the defendant had conducted this practice with the boys "over an extended period", and children had previously fallen ill the next day.
She stated the defendant had been capable of justifying this repeatedly as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had concerns in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "This year his stepson had concerns about the activities, for good reason.
"They resolved" to examine in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor explained materials including infant oil, Vaseline and syringes were found, and his family member notified the authorities about his suspicions.
She explained Ruben went on to conduct the "treat game" with six youngsters that time - July 26th - and they were all ill the following morning.
"Authorities" had not responded by that stage," she added.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the incident.
The legal representative explained the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson notified the law enforcement again.
She said the defendant then played the "sweet game" in a space of five minors.
