An individual who spiked treats with sleeping medication and gave them to minors at a summer program in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two boys aged nine and 10.
The accused was detained after eight minors and one adult experienced illness at the location in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Nevertheless, he disputed a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was concerning a young boy.
The defendant was kept in jail before a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, outlined the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She stated his victims were under-privileged children who were attending a summer program which he managed.
Ruben played a "sweet game" with the minors, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and request they to eat sweets "rapidly".
She stated to the judge Ruben had played this game with the boys "repeatedly", and children had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She stated the man had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had worries in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "Recently" his stepson had suspicions about the activities, with valid cause.
"They chose" to have a look in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor said objects including baby oil, petroleum jelly and syringes were found, and his family member notified the police about his suspicions.
She said the man went on to conduct the "sweet game" with six children that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the following morning.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that time," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was examining the police response of the situation.
The legal representative explained the children were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson notified the authorities once more.
She said the defendant then played the "sweet game" in a area of five minors.
