An individual who laced treats with sedative and gave them to children at a summer program in Leicestershire has admitted sexual crimes against two young males who were between nine and ten.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight youngsters and a grown-up experienced illness at the location in July.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the judicial center on the end of the week.
Yet, he denied one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was involving a young boy.
Ruben was kept in jail prior to a subsequent court date on late November.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, detailed the criminal behavior to the court.
She explained his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a youth camp which he ran.
The defendant conducted a "candy game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor explained, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge Ruben had conducted this practice with the boys "over an extended period", and children had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She explained Ruben had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had concerns in summer 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "In the summer" his stepson had worries about the activities, for good reason.
"They decided to examine in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor said materials including lubricant, Vaseline and syringes were found, and his stepson contacted the law enforcement about his worries.
She explained Ruben proceeded to play the "treat game" with six boys that night - that Saturday - and they were all sick the following morning.
"The police had not gone out by that time," she added.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the events.
Mrs Prior explained the children were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the stepson notified the authorities a second time.
She said Ruben then played the "sweet game" in a space of five youngsters.
