A man who spiked sweets with sleeping medication and distributed them to children at a summer program in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two boys who were between nine and ten.
The defendant was detained after eight youngsters and a grown-up experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he stood at the courthouse on Friday.
However, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was against a young boy.
The defendant was kept in jail prior to a additional proceeding on late November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, described Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She stated his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a summer program which he operated.
The man conducted a "sweet game" with the minors, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were settling down and ask them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings the man had engaged in this activity with the children "over an extended period", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She stated the defendant had been able to explain this for many years as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had concerns in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "Recently" his family member had concerns about the activities, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to examine in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC said materials including infant oil, petroleum jelly and syringes were found, and his stepchild contacted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She said Ruben continued to engage in the "treat game" with six youngsters that time - that Saturday - and they were all sick the next day.
"The police had not gone out by that stage," she continued.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
The legal representative said the minors were struggling to walk due to their condition, so the family member notified the police once more.
She said Ruben then played the "treat game" in a room of five youngsters.
