An individual who contaminated candy with tranquilliser and distributed them to minors at a summer program in Leicestershire has admitted sexual crimes against two children aged nine and 10.
The accused was arrested after eight children and one adult became sick at the facility in July.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was facing, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
The accused was kept in jail ahead of a further hearing on 28 November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, detailed the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She said his targets were under-privileged children who were staying at a summer camp which he managed.
Ruben conducted a "sweet game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the defendant had engaged in this activity with the children "repeatedly", and minors had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She said Ruben had been able to explain this over a long period as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had worries in July 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "This year his stepchild had suspicions about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They chose" to investigate in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor said materials including lubricant, petroleum jelly and syringes were discovered, and his stepson alerted the authorities about his suspicions.
She explained Ruben proceeded to conduct the "treat game" with six children that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the following morning.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that point," she added.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, had stated that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
Mrs Prior said the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson notified the authorities a second time.
She explained Ruben then played the "sweet game" in a area of five children.
