An individual who contaminated sweets with sleeping medication and provided them to youngsters at a summer program in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual offenses against two children who were nine and 10.
The accused was arrested after eight minors and one adult became sick at the location in July.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Nevertheless, he disputed one particular crime he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody prior to a further hearing on November 28th.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, described the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She said his victims were under-privileged children who were staying at a summer program which he ran.
Ruben engaged in a "treat game" with the minors, the legal counsel said, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to ingest treats "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings the man had engaged in this activity with the boys "for many years", and children had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She said the defendant had been able to explain this for many years as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had worries in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "This year his stepchild had worries about what was going on, for good reason.
"They decided to have a look in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC said items including lubricant, Vaseline and injection devices were found, and his stepson alerted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She said the man went on to play the "sweet game" with six children that night - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that stage," she continued.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the situation.
The legal representative stated the children were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so the stepson notified the authorities once more.
She stated the man then played the "sweet game" in a space of five youngsters.
