A man who laced candy with sleeping medication and distributed them to youngsters at a summer program in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two boys both nine and ten years old.
The accused was arrested after eight youngsters and one adult experienced illness at the location in the summer month.
The elderly man, from that region, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the judicial center on the end of the week.
Yet, he denied one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody before a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, outlined Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She explained his victims were under-privileged children who were participating in a summer program which he ran.
Ruben played a "sweet game" with the children, the prosecutor stated, in which he would go into the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the man had played this game with the young males "for many years", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She said the man had been able to explain this for many years as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had worries in summer 2025.
The legal representative continued: "In the summer" his stepson had suspicions about what was going on, justifiably.
"They decided to examine in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC stated materials including infant oil, ointment and syringes were found, and his stepson alerted the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She stated Ruben went on to engage in the "candy game" with six youngsters that night - that Saturday - and they were all sick the following morning.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that point," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, previously told that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
The prosecutor explained the minors were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the family member notified the authorities again.
She explained the man then engaged in the "sweet game" in a space of five youngsters.
