A person who spiked treats with sleeping medication and distributed them to children at a summer program in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual offences against two boys aged nine and 10.
The defendant was detained after eight children and one adult fell ill at the location in July.
The elderly man, from that region, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at the judicial center on the end of the week.
However, he denied one particular crime he was facing, which was against a young boy.
The accused was held in detention ahead of a subsequent court date on late November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, outlined the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She said his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer camp which he ran.
The man played a "treat game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel explained, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge Ruben had engaged in this activity with the children "over an extended period", and children had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She stated the man had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had concerns in summer 2025.
The legal representative continued: "This year his family member had suspicions about the situation, justifiably.
"They chose" to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel stated materials including lubricant, Vaseline and syringes were located, and his stepson alerted the police about his suspicions.
She said the man continued to play the "treat game" with six boys that time - that Saturday - and they were all sick the next day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that time," she added.
The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
The prosecutor said the children were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the family member called the law enforcement again.
She explained Ruben then engaged in the "candy game" in a room of five children.
