A man who spiked candy with tranquilliser and provided them to children at a summer program in the area has confessed to sexual offenses against two boys aged between nine and ten.
The defendant was detained after eight minors and one adult experienced illness at the facility in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Nevertheless, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was held in detention ahead of a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, detailed the defendant's actions to the court.
She explained his those affected were under-privileged children who were staying at a summer program which he ran.
The defendant conducted a "treat game" with the minors, the legal counsel stated, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were settling down and request they to ingest treats "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had conducted this practice with the young males "over an extended period", and minors had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She said the defendant had been capable of justifying this for many years as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had concerns in July 2025.
The legal representative added: "This year his stepchild had suspicions about what was going on, for good reason.
"They decided to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel said items including baby oil, Vaseline and injection devices were found, and his stepchild contacted the police about his concerns.
She explained the man continued to play the "treat game" with six youngsters that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that time," she continued.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, had stated that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the situation.
The legal representative explained the youngsters were struggling to walk due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson called the law enforcement once more.
She stated the defendant then engaged in the "treat game" in a space of five youngsters.
