An individual who spiked sweets with sleeping medication and distributed them to children at a summer program in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offenses against two children aged nine and 10.
The accused was arrested after eight minors and an older person became sick at the location in July.
The elderly man, from that region, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Nevertheless, he denied one particular crime he was facing, which was involving a young boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody ahead of a further hearing on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, outlined the defendant's actions to the court.
She explained his victims were under-privileged children who were attending a summer camp which he operated.
Ruben engaged in a "sweet game" with the minors, the prosecutor explained, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were settling down and tell them to ingest treats "rapidly".
She told the court Ruben had played this game with the children "for many years", and minors had previously fallen ill the next day.
She explained the man had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had suspicions in summer 2025.
The prosecutor added: "This year his stepchild had concerns about the activities, for good reason.
"They decided to have a look in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor explained objects including infant oil, ointment and syringes were found, and his stepson alerted the law enforcement about his worries.
She stated the defendant continued to engage in the "sweet game" with six children that evening - that Saturday - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"The police had not arrived by that stage," she continued.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, had stated that it was examining the police response of the situation.
Mrs Prior explained the minors were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so the stepson contacted the authorities again.
She explained Ruben then conducted the "treat game" in a area of five youngsters.
