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A person who spiked treats with sleeping medication and gave them to youngsters at a summer program in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offences against two boys who were nine and ten years old.

The defendant was taken into custody after eight children and a grown-up became sick at the location in July.

The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at the judicial center on Friday.

However, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was against a young boy.

Ruben was kept in jail before a further hearing on late November.

'Sweet game'

Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, detailed Ruben's offending to the court.

She said his those affected were under-privileged children who were staying at a summer camp which he managed.

Ruben conducted a "sweet game" with the children, the prosecutor explained, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and request they to ingest treats "as fast as possible".

She stated to the judge Ruben had conducted this practice with the boys "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously become sick the subsequent day.

She stated the man had been capable of justifying this repeatedly as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had concerns in July 2025.

The legal representative added: "Recently" his stepson had concerns about the activities, with valid cause.

"They chose" to examine in the defendant's belongings."

The legal counsel stated objects including infant oil, Vaseline and syringes were located, and his family member alerted the law enforcement about his suspicions.

She said the defendant went on to play the "candy game" with six youngsters that evening - that Saturday - and they were all sick the next day.

"Law enforcement" had not responded by that point," she stated further.

The regulatory agency, the investigative body, previously told that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the incident.

The prosecutor said the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so the stepson notified the police once more.

She stated Ruben then played the "treat game" in a room of five minors.