An individual who contaminated treats with tranquilliser and distributed them to minors at a summer program in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual offences against two boys who were nine and 10.
The defendant was arrested after eight minors and an older person experienced illness at the location in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Nevertheless, he denied a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was held in detention prior to a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, outlined Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She stated his those affected were under-privileged children who were attending a summer program which he operated.
The man conducted a "treat game" with the minors, Mrs Prior said, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and tell them to consume candy "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings the man had conducted this practice with the boys "repeatedly", and minors had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She said Ruben had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had suspicions in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "This year his family member had worries about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They decided to examine in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC stated items including infant oil, petroleum jelly and injection devices were discovered, and his stepchild alerted the authorities about his worries.
She stated the man proceeded to play the "candy game" with six children that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"The police had not gone out by that point," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
Mrs Prior said the minors were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the stepson called the authorities again.
She explained the defendant then conducted the "candy game" in a space of five children.
