An individual who laced candy with tranquilliser and gave them to youngsters at a summer program in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two young males both nine and 10.
The accused was arrested after eight minors and one adult experienced illness at the location in the summer month.
The elderly man, from that region, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at the courthouse on the end of the week.
Yet, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was held in detention ahead of a further hearing on 28 November.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, detailed the criminal behavior to the court.
She said his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a youth camp which he ran.
The man conducted a "sweet game" with the children, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were settling down and request they to eat sweets "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had engaged in this activity with the children "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She stated the defendant had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had worries in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "Recently" his stepson had worries about the situation, with valid cause.
"They decided to investigate in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC stated items including lubricant, petroleum jelly and medical needles were located, and his stepchild notified the police about his suspicions.
She explained Ruben proceeded to conduct the "candy game" with six children that evening - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that time," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, previously told that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
Mrs Prior stated the minors were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson contacted the police again.
She said the defendant then engaged in the "candy game" in a room of five youngsters.
