An individual who spiked candy with sleeping medication and provided them to youngsters at a summer program in the region has admitted sexual crimes against two boys both nine and 10.
The defendant was arrested after eight youngsters and a grown-up became sick at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the judicial center on recently.
However, he refused to admit one particular crime he was accused of, which was involving a young boy.
The accused was held in detention ahead of a further hearing on November 28th.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, detailed the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She explained his victims were under-privileged children who were staying at a summer program which he operated.
The man played a "sweet game" with the children, the prosecutor said, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had engaged in this activity with the children "for many years", and children had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She said the man had been capable of justifying this for many years as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had suspicions in July 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "This year his family member had worries about the activities, for good reason.
"They resolved" to investigate in the individual's items."
The legal counsel stated items including lubricant, ointment and injection devices were located, and his stepchild notified the police about his concerns.
She said Ruben went on to engage in the "treat game" with six youngsters that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that time," she stated further.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, previously told that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
Mrs Prior stated the minors were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the stepson called the authorities again.
She stated the defendant then played the "treat game" in a room of five youngsters.
