A man who contaminated sweets with sleeping medication and gave them to children at a summer program in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offenses against two young males both between nine and ten.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight minors and an older person experienced illness at the location in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Nevertheless, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was held in detention prior to a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, detailed the criminal behavior to the court.
She explained his victims were under-privileged children who were participating in a summer camp which he operated.
Ruben played a "sweet game" with the children, the prosecutor said, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and request they to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She told the court Ruben had played this game with the children "for many years", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She explained the man had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had concerns in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "This year his stepson had concerns about the activities, justifiably.
"They decided to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel said materials including baby oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were found, and his family member contacted the authorities about his concerns.
She stated Ruben went on to play the "treat game" with six youngsters that time - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that stage," she continued.
The oversight body, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was examining the police response of the situation.
Mrs Prior stated the children were struggling to walk due to their condition, so the family member notified the authorities once more.
She stated the defendant then conducted the "treat game" in a room of five minors.
