A man who spiked candy with sleeping medication and provided them to minors at a summer camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two boys both between nine and ten.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight children and one adult experienced illness at the location in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from that region, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Nevertheless, he denied a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was concerning a young boy.
The accused was held in detention ahead of a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, handling the case, detailed Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She stated his those affected were under-privileged children who were participating in a summer camp which he ran.
The man engaged in a "treat game" with the minors, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and request they to consume candy "rapidly".
She stated to the judge the defendant had engaged in this activity with the children "for many years", and minors had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She said the man had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had suspicions in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "This year his stepchild had concerns about the activities, justifiably.
"They decided to examine in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC explained items including baby oil, ointment and syringes were located, and his stepchild contacted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She explained the defendant continued to play the "sweet game" with six children that night - that Saturday - and they were all ill the following morning.
"The police had not arrived by that point," she continued.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was reviewing the police response of the incident.
The prosecutor explained the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson notified the authorities once more.
She stated Ruben then engaged in the "treat game" in a area of five minors.
