A person who laced sweets with tranquilliser and distributed them to youngsters at a summer program in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offenses against two young males both nine and 10.
The accused was arrested after eight youngsters and one adult became sick at the location in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the courthouse on Friday.
Nevertheless, he denied one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was held in detention prior to a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, detailed Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She explained his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a summer program which he operated.
The defendant engaged in a "sweet game" with the children, Mrs Prior said, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She told the court the man had engaged in this activity with the young males "repeatedly", and children had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She said the defendant had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had concerns in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "In the summer" his family member had worries about the activities, with valid cause.
"They decided to examine in the individual's items."
The prosecutor explained materials including infant oil, ointment and syringes were discovered, and his family member contacted the police about his suspicions.
She explained the defendant went on to conduct the "candy game" with six youngsters that evening - that Saturday - and they were all ill the following morning.
"The police had not responded by that time," she stated further.
The oversight body, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was examining law enforcement's management of the events.
The legal representative said the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson contacted the police again.
She stated the man then played the "treat game" in a space of five children.
