An individual who spiked sweets with tranquilliser and distributed them to minors at a summer program in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two young males who were between nine and ten.
The accused was taken into custody after eight children and one adult fell ill at the location in July.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
However, he refused to admit one particular crime he was charged with, which was involving a young boy.
The accused was kept in jail before a further hearing on late November.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, described the criminal behavior to the court.
She said his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer program which he operated.
The defendant engaged in a "sweet game" with the minors, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had played this game with the boys "for many years", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She explained Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had concerns in July 2025.
The legal representative continued: "Recently" his family member had worries about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They chose" to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor said materials including baby oil, ointment and injection devices were discovered, and his family member contacted the authorities about his concerns.
She explained the defendant continued to play the "sweet game" with six boys that evening - that Saturday - and they were all ill the next day.
"The police had not gone out by that time," she stated further.
The oversight body, the investigative body, previously told that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
Mrs Prior stated the children were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the family member contacted the police again.
She stated the man then played the "sweet game" in a space of five children.