An individual who spiked candy with sleeping medication and distributed them to youngsters at a summer program in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offenses against two young males both between nine and ten.
The defendant was arrested after eight minors and an older person fell ill at the facility in July.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at the courthouse on the end of the week.
However, he disputed a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was kept in jail prior to a subsequent court date on late November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, outlined Ruben's offending to the court.
She stated his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer program which he managed.
The defendant engaged in a "sweet game" with the minors, the prosecutor stated, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She told the court the defendant had conducted this practice with the young males "for many years", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She stated the man had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had suspicions in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "This year his stepchild had concerns about what was going on, justifiably.
"They resolved" to investigate in the individual's items."
The legal counsel stated items including infant oil, Vaseline and syringes were located, and his family member contacted the police about his concerns.
She explained the man went on to engage in the "candy game" with six boys that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the next day.
"The police had not responded by that stage," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, previously told that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the events.
The legal representative explained the minors were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so the stepson notified the police once more.
She explained the man then conducted the "treat game" in a area of five children.
