A man who spiked sweets with sedative and provided them to children at a summer program in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two young males aged nine and 10.
The accused was arrested after eight children and one adult fell ill at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the courthouse on Friday.
However, he denied one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was concerning a young boy.
The accused was remanded in custody ahead of a additional proceeding on late November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, outlined the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She explained his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer program which he ran.
Ruben played a "sweet game" with the children, the legal counsel stated, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to eat sweets "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings the man had engaged in this activity with the young males "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She explained the defendant had been capable of justifying this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had worries in summer 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "In the summer" his stepchild had worries about the activities, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to investigate in the individual's items."
The prosecutor stated materials including baby oil, Vaseline and injection devices were found, and his stepson notified the police about his worries.
She explained the defendant went on to conduct the "candy game" with six boys that time - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"The police had not gone out by that point," she continued.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the events.
Mrs Prior said the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the stepson called the police once more.
She said Ruben then engaged in the "treat game" in a room of five children.
