A man who spiked candy with tranquilliser and gave them to minors at a summer program in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offences against two boys aged nine and 10.
The accused was detained after eight children and a grown-up experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
However, he disputed a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was against a young boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody prior to a further hearing on late November.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, described the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She stated his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer program which he managed.
The man engaged in a "treat game" with the minors, the legal counsel said, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and request they to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the defendant had played this game with the boys "for many years", and children had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She explained the man had been able to explain this repeatedly as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had suspicions in July 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "Recently" his family member had suspicions about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They chose" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel stated items including baby oil, ointment and medical needles were located, and his family member alerted the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She said the man continued to conduct the "treat game" with six children that night - July 26th - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that time," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, previously told that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
Mrs Prior explained the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the family member called the authorities a second time.
She explained Ruben then played the "candy game" in a area of five youngsters.
