🔗 Share this article Man confesses to sexual offenses against children at summer program The accused admitted 17 charges at Leicester Crown Court on Friday A man who contaminated treats with sedative and provided them to minors at a summer program in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two young males both nine and 10. The defendant was taken into custody after eight youngsters and an older person experienced illness at the facility in the summer month. The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on Friday. Nevertheless, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was against a nine-year-old boy. The accused was held in detention ahead of a further hearing on 28 November. 'Candy game' The legal representative, presenting evidence, outlined Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings. She said his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a youth camp which he ran. The defendant played a "sweet game" with the minors, the prosecutor explained, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to ingest treats "as fast as possible". She stated to the judge the defendant had played this game with the young males "over an extended period", and children had previously fallen ill the next day. She stated Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had worries in summer 2025. The prosecutor stated further: "This year his stepson had suspicions about the activities, with valid cause. "They decided to have a look in the man's possessions." The prosecutor explained materials including baby oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were found, and his stepson alerted the authorities about his concerns. She explained Ruben went on to engage in the "sweet game" with six youngsters that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the subsequent day. "The police had not responded by that point," she added. The police watchdog, the investigative body, previously told that it was investigating the police response of the incident. The legal representative explained the minors were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the stepson called the law enforcement a second time. She stated Ruben then engaged in the "treat game" in a room of five minors.