A person who spiked treats with sedative and distributed them to children at a summer program in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two children who were nine and ten years old.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight minors and one adult became sick at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from that region, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he stood at the judicial center on recently.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit one particular crime he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody ahead of a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, outlined the criminal behavior to the court.
She explained his victims were under-privileged children who were staying at a youth camp which he managed.
The defendant played a "treat game" with the minors, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were settling down and request they to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had conducted this practice with the boys "for many years", and minors had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She said the man had been able to explain this repeatedly as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had worries in summer 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "In the summer" his family member had worries about the situation, for good reason.
"They decided to examine in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC explained objects including lubricant, Vaseline and medical needles were found, and his stepson notified the law enforcement about his concerns.
She said the man continued to engage in the "treat game" with six children that evening - July 26th - and they were all ill the following morning.
"The police had not arrived by that stage," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, had stated that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
The legal representative stated the minors were struggling to walk due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson contacted the authorities once more.
She stated Ruben then conducted the "candy game" in a area of five youngsters.
