A man who laced treats with sleeping medication and provided them to youngsters at a summer program in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual crimes against two children both nine and ten years old.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight youngsters and an older person became sick at the location in July.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he stood at the courthouse on Friday.
Yet, he disputed a single sexual charge he was facing, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
The accused was kept in jail ahead of a additional proceeding on late November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, detailed the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She said his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer program which he operated.
Ruben conducted a "sweet game" with the minors, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge the defendant had conducted this practice with the young males "repeatedly", and minors had previously become sick the next day.
She explained the defendant had been able to explain this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had suspicions in July 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "Recently" his stepson had suspicions about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They chose" to examine in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel explained objects including infant oil, Vaseline and medical needles were located, and his family member alerted the police about his suspicions.
She stated the defendant continued to conduct the "treat game" with six boys that night - that Saturday - and they were all sick the following morning.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that point," she added.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
Mrs Prior stated the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson notified the police again.
She stated the defendant then conducted the "treat game" in a area of five children.
