An individual who laced treats with tranquilliser and provided them to youngsters at a summer program in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offences against two boys both nine and 10.
The accused was taken into custody after eight youngsters and one adult fell ill at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he denied one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody before a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, described the criminal behavior to the court.
She said his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer program which he operated.
Ruben played a "treat game" with the children, the prosecutor stated, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were settling down and tell them to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She told the court Ruben had played this game with the young males "repeatedly", and children had previously fallen ill the next day.
She stated Ruben had been able to explain this repeatedly as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had suspicions in summer 2025.
The legal representative continued: "Recently" his stepson had worries about the activities, justifiably.
"They decided to examine in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel said materials including infant oil, Vaseline and medical needles were located, and his stepchild contacted the authorities about his suspicions.
She stated the defendant continued to conduct the "sweet game" with six children that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that stage," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, had stated that it was examining law enforcement's management of the situation.
The prosecutor explained the children were struggling to walk due to being ill, so the family member contacted the law enforcement once more.
She said the man then engaged in the "treat game" in a room of five minors.
