A person who spiked sweets with tranquilliser and gave them to children at a summer program in the area has admitted sexual offences against two young males both nine and ten years old.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight children and a grown-up became sick at the location in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from that region, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the judicial center on Friday.
Yet, he disputed a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was held in detention prior to a further hearing on late November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, described the criminal behavior to the court.
She said his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer camp which he managed.
The defendant engaged in a "treat game" with the children, the prosecutor stated, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She told the court the man had conducted this practice with the young males "over an extended period", and minors had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She explained Ruben had been able to explain this over a long period as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had concerns in July 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "This year his family member had concerns about the activities, for good reason.
"They resolved" to investigate in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel explained items including infant oil, petroleum jelly and injection devices were located, and his stepchild contacted the police about his worries.
She stated the man continued to engage in the "candy game" with six boys that time - that Saturday - and they were all ill the next day.
"The police had not gone out by that stage," she stated further.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, had stated that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
The legal representative explained the youngsters were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so the stepson contacted the police again.
She stated the man then engaged in the "treat game" in a area of five youngsters.
