An individual who spiked sweets with sleeping medication and gave them to minors at a summer program in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two children both nine and ten years old.
The defendant was arrested after eight minors and one adult fell ill at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he was present at the judicial center on recently.
Yet, he disputed one particular crime he was charged with, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was remanded in custody prior to a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, described the defendant's actions to the court.
She said his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a youth camp which he operated.
The defendant conducted a "sweet game" with the children, the legal counsel stated, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge Ruben had conducted this practice with the children "for many years", and minors had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She stated the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had concerns in July 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "Recently" his stepchild had worries about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They chose" to investigate in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel said materials including lubricant, Vaseline and syringes were located, and his stepson alerted the law enforcement about his worries.
She stated the defendant continued to play the "treat game" with six children that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that stage," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was examining the police response of the events.
The legal representative said the children were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the stepson contacted the authorities once more.
She said Ruben then played the "candy game" in a area of five youngsters.
