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A man who spiked treats with sedative and provided them to minors at a summer program in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two children both nine and ten years old.

The accused was detained after eight youngsters and a grown-up experienced illness at the facility in July.

The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at the judicial center on Friday.

Yet, he refused to admit one particular crime he was charged with, which was involving a nine-year-old child.

The defendant was held in detention ahead of a further hearing on 28 November.

'Treat game'

Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, detailed the criminal behavior to the court.

She stated his targets were under-privileged children who were attending a summer camp which he managed.

The defendant played a "sweet game" with the children, Mrs Prior said, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to eat sweets "as fast as possible".

She stated to the judge Ruben had played this game with the boys "over an extended period", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the following morning.

She said the defendant had been capable of justifying this for many years as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had worries in July 2025.

Mrs Prior KC stated further: "This year his family member had concerns about what was going on, for good reason.

"They chose" to have a look in the individual's items."

The prosecutor stated materials including infant oil, petroleum jelly and injection devices were discovered, and his stepchild notified the law enforcement about his suspicions.

She explained Ruben proceeded to engage in the "candy game" with six youngsters that night - July 26th - and they were all ill the next day.

"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that point," she continued.

The regulatory agency, the investigative body, previously told that it was examining the police response of the incident.

The prosecutor said the minors were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so the family member contacted the authorities again.

She stated the man then engaged in the "treat game" in a area of five youngsters.