A person who contaminated treats with tranquilliser and distributed them to children at a summer program in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offenses against two young males who were between nine and ten.
The defendant was arrested after eight children and one adult fell ill at the facility in the summer month.
The elderly man, from that region, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the judicial center on Friday.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit one particular crime he was charged with, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The accused was kept in jail ahead of a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, detailed the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She explained his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a summer program which he operated.
The defendant played a "sweet game" with the children, the legal counsel said, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and tell them to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She told the court the man had conducted this practice with the children "over an extended period", and minors had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She said the man had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had suspicions in summer 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "This year his stepchild had worries about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to examine in the individual's items."
The prosecutor explained objects including baby oil, ointment and syringes were found, and his stepson contacted the police about his worries.
She said the man went on to play the "treat game" with six children that night - that Saturday - and they were all sick the next day.
"The police had not gone out by that stage," she continued.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was examining the police response of the incident.
The legal representative stated the youngsters were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson notified the law enforcement a second time.
She said Ruben then played the "sweet game" in a area of five minors.
