A person who contaminated treats with sedative and provided them to minors at a summer program in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two boys who were nine and 10.
The defendant was detained after eight minors and a grown-up became sick at the location in mid-summer.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
However, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was held in detention prior to a further hearing on November 28th.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, outlined Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She stated his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer program which he operated.
Ruben conducted a "treat game" with the minors, the prosecutor said, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the man had conducted this practice with the children "repeatedly", and children had previously become sick the next day.
She said the man had been able to explain this repeatedly as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had suspicions in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "In the summer" his stepchild had concerns about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They decided to investigate in the individual's items."
The legal counsel explained objects including baby oil, Vaseline and injection devices were located, and his stepchild notified the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She explained Ruben continued to conduct the "candy game" with six youngsters that time - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"The police had not responded by that point," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, previously told that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
Mrs Prior stated the minors were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so the family member called the law enforcement again.
She stated the defendant then engaged in the "treat game" in a room of five minors.
