An individual who contaminated treats with sedative and gave them to minors at a summer program in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual offences against two young males both nine and ten years old.
The accused was detained after eight children and an older person fell ill at the facility in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at the courthouse on recently.
However, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was concerning a young boy.
The accused was kept in jail before a further hearing on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, detailed Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She explained his those affected were under-privileged children who were participating in a summer program which he managed.
The defendant conducted a "treat game" with the minors, the legal counsel stated, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge the man had conducted this practice with the boys "for many years", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She said the defendant had been able to explain this over a long period as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had concerns in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "This year his family member had worries about the activities, justifiably.
"They chose" to have a look in the individual's items."
The prosecutor said objects including lubricant, ointment and medical needles were found, and his family member contacted the police about his suspicions.
She said the defendant continued to engage in the "treat game" with six children that evening - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that point," she continued.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
Mrs Prior explained the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson notified the authorities once more.
She stated Ruben then conducted the "candy game" in a space of five youngsters.
