An individual who spiked candy with sleeping medication and distributed them to children at a summer program in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offenses against two children both nine and ten years old.
The accused was arrested after eight minors and a grown-up fell ill at the facility in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at the judicial center on the end of the week.
Yet, he denied a single sexual charge he was facing, which was involving a young boy.
The defendant was held in detention ahead of a further hearing on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, outlined the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She stated his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a summer program which he ran.
The defendant engaged in a "sweet game" with the minors, Mrs Prior said, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had conducted this practice with the children "over an extended period", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She explained the defendant had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had concerns in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "Recently" his stepson had concerns about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to examine in the individual's items."
The legal counsel said materials including baby oil, Vaseline and medical needles were located, and his stepson contacted the police about his worries.
She said the defendant continued to conduct the "sweet game" with six youngsters that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that point," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
Mrs Prior said the minors were struggling to walk due to being ill, so the family member notified the police again.
She said Ruben then engaged in the "sweet game" in a area of five children.
