An individual who laced sweets with tranquilliser and provided them to youngsters at a summer program in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offenses against two boys both nine and 10.
The accused was arrested after eight youngsters and an older person became sick at the facility in July.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at the judicial center on recently.
However, he refused to admit one particular crime he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The accused was kept in jail ahead of a further hearing on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, detailed Ruben's offending to the court.
She said his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer program which he managed.
The defendant conducted a "treat game" with the children, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to ingest treats "rapidly".
She stated to the judge Ruben had conducted this practice with the boys "repeatedly", and children had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She stated the defendant had been able to explain this over a long period as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had worries in July 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "This year his family member had suspicions about the activities, with valid cause.
"They decided to examine in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC stated objects including baby oil, Vaseline and injection devices were discovered, and his stepson contacted the authorities about his concerns.
She said the defendant proceeded to engage in the "sweet game" with six children that time - that Saturday - and they were all sick the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that point," she continued.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, had stated that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
Mrs Prior explained the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so the family member called the police once more.
She explained Ruben then engaged in the "candy game" in a area of five minors.
