A man who spiked candy with sedative and gave them to children at a summer program in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offences against two young males aged nine and 10.
The accused was taken into custody after eight youngsters and an older person fell ill at the facility in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
Yet, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was remanded in custody before a further hearing on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, outlined Ruben's offending to the court.
She stated his victims were under-privileged children who were staying at a summer program which he managed.
Ruben engaged in a "candy game" with the children, the legal counsel stated, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and request they to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the defendant had played this game with the children "over an extended period", and children had previously fallen ill the next day.
She stated Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had suspicions in summer 2025.
The prosecutor added: "Recently" his stepchild had worries about the activities, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to examine in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel said items including baby oil, ointment and medical needles were found, and his stepchild notified the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She explained the man continued to engage in the "sweet game" with six youngsters that night - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that point," she added.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
Mrs Prior said the youngsters were struggling to walk due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson notified the authorities once more.
She stated Ruben then engaged in the "sweet game" in a area of five minors.
