A man who laced candy with sleeping medication and distributed them to youngsters at a summer camp in the area has confessed to sexual offences against two young males who were nine and 10.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight minors and an older person became sick at the facility in mid-summer.
The senior citizen, from that region, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Yet, he denied one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was against a young boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody before a further hearing on late November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, detailed Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She explained his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer program which he ran.
The man engaged in a "treat game" with the children, the prosecutor explained, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge Ruben had conducted this practice with the children "for many years", and youngsters had previously become sick the following morning.
She stated Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had suspicions in summer 2025.
The prosecutor added: "Recently" his family member had concerns about the activities, with valid cause.
"They chose" to examine in the individual's items."
The legal counsel explained objects including infant oil, ointment and medical needles were discovered, and his family member notified the law enforcement about his concerns.
She explained the man continued to play the "treat game" with six youngsters that time - July 26th - and they were all sick the following morning.
"Authorities" had not responded by that stage," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, had stated that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
The legal representative explained the minors were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so the stepson called the police a second time.
She stated the defendant then conducted the "candy game" in a room of five children.
