An individual who spiked treats with sleeping medication and gave them to children at a summer program in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two young males both nine and ten years old.
The defendant was arrested after eight minors and a grown-up fell ill at the facility in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
However, he denied a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was involving a young boy.
Ruben was held in detention ahead of a further hearing on late November.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, outlined the criminal behavior to the court.
She explained his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer program which he operated.
Ruben played a "treat game" with the children, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She told the court the defendant had conducted this practice with the children "over an extended period", and minors had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She said Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had worries in July 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "In the summer" his stepson had concerns about the situation, for good reason.
"They decided to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC said objects including baby oil, Vaseline and injection devices were found, and his stepchild alerted the law enforcement about his worries.
She said the man continued to conduct the "candy game" with six children that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that point," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, previously told that it was examining law enforcement's management of the situation.
The legal representative said the youngsters were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson called the authorities once more.
She explained the man then conducted the "treat game" in a room of five minors.
