An individual who laced sweets with sleeping medication and distributed them to minors at a summer camp in the region has confessed to sexual offenses against two boys aged nine and ten years old.
The accused was arrested after eight minors and an older person became sick at the location in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from that region, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
Yet, he denied one particular crime he was accused of, which was against a young boy.
The defendant was held in detention before a further hearing on November 28th.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, detailed the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She explained his victims were under-privileged children who were staying at a summer program which he operated.
The man engaged in a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor explained, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to ingest treats "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had engaged in this activity with the children "for many years", and youngsters had previously become sick the following morning.
She stated the defendant had been able to explain this over a long period as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had suspicions in summer 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "Recently" his stepson had worries about the activities, with valid cause.
"They chose" to have a look in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC explained materials including infant oil, Vaseline and syringes were located, and his stepchild notified the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She explained Ruben continued to engage in the "treat game" with six children that night - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that time," she continued.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the events.
The legal representative said the minors were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson called the law enforcement once more.
She stated Ruben then engaged in the "candy game" in a room of five children.
