An individual who laced candy with tranquilliser and provided them to youngsters at a summer program in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offences against two boys both nine and ten years old.
The defendant was arrested after eight children and one adult became sick at the location in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit one particular crime he was facing, which was involving a young boy.
The accused was held in detention before a further hearing on 28 November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, detailed the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She stated his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a summer program which he managed.
The defendant conducted a "treat game" with the minors, the legal counsel said, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had engaged in this activity with the young males "repeatedly", and children had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She stated the man had been able to explain this for many years as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had concerns in summer 2025.
The prosecutor added: "This year his stepchild had concerns about the situation, with valid cause.
"They chose" to have a look in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC said materials including infant oil, ointment and syringes were discovered, and his stepson alerted the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She explained the defendant continued to conduct the "sweet game" with six youngsters that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that point," she added.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was examining law enforcement's management of the situation.
Mrs Prior stated the children were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the stepson called the police a second time.
She stated Ruben then engaged in the "candy game" in a space of five youngsters.
