An individual who contaminated treats with sleeping medication and distributed them to children at a summer program in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual crimes against two children who were between nine and ten.
The defendant was detained after eight youngsters and an older person experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in July.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at the courthouse on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he disputed one particular crime he was facing, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was held in detention before a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, described Ruben's offending to the court.
She explained his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer program which he managed.
Ruben conducted a "treat game" with the children, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were settling down and tell them to eat sweets "rapidly".
She told the court the defendant had engaged in this activity with the young males "over an extended period", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She said the defendant had been able to explain this over a long period as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had worries in summer 2025.
The legal representative added: "Recently" his stepson had concerns about the situation, for good reason.
"They decided to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel said materials including baby oil, Vaseline and medical needles were found, and his stepchild contacted the police about his worries.
She explained the defendant went on to conduct the "treat game" with six youngsters that evening - that Saturday - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that stage," she added.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, had stated that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the incident.
The prosecutor said the minors were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the family member contacted the police once more.
She said the defendant then played the "treat game" in a room of five children.
