A person who contaminated sweets with tranquilliser and provided them to children at a summer program in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offences against two children who were between nine and ten.
The accused was arrested after eight minors and a grown-up experienced illness at the facility in July.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he stood at the judicial center on Friday.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was involving a young boy.
The accused was held in detention before a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, described Ruben's offending to the court.
She said his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer program which he operated.
The defendant engaged in a "treat game" with the children, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and request they to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings the man had played this game with the children "over an extended period", and children had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She said Ruben had been able to explain this for many years as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had worries in July 2025.
The legal representative continued: "In the summer" his stepson had suspicions about the activities, with valid cause.
"They chose" to examine in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor stated objects including infant oil, Vaseline and syringes were found, and his stepchild contacted the authorities about his worries.
She stated the man continued to play the "treat game" with six children that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the following morning.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that stage," she continued.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
The prosecutor stated the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so the family member called the authorities once more.
She stated the defendant then engaged in the "sweet game" in a room of five youngsters.
