A person who laced sweets with tranquilliser and provided them to minors at a summer program in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two children who were between nine and ten.
The accused was arrested after eight minors and an older person fell ill at the location in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from that region, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Nevertheless, he denied one particular crime he was accused of, which was involving a young boy.
The defendant was held in detention ahead of a additional proceeding on late November.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, detailed Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She stated his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a summer camp which he operated.
Ruben played a "treat game" with the minors, the prosecutor explained, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings the man had engaged in this activity with the young males "over an extended period", and minors had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She stated the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had concerns in summer 2025.
The prosecutor added: "In the summer" his stepson had worries about the activities, justifiably.
"They resolved" to investigate in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor said objects including infant oil, Vaseline and syringes were discovered, and his stepchild alerted the police about his suspicions.
She explained the man continued to play the "candy game" with six youngsters that time - that Saturday - and they were all ill the following morning.
"Authorities" had not responded by that stage," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, had stated that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
The prosecutor stated the children were struggling to walk due to their condition, so the stepson called the police again.
She explained the defendant then conducted the "candy game" in a area of five children.
