A person who laced sweets with sleeping medication and gave them to youngsters at a summer program in the region has confessed to sexual crimes against two young males aged nine and ten years old.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight youngsters and a grown-up became sick at the location in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from that region, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Yet, he refused to admit one particular crime he was facing, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody before a further hearing on late November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, described Ruben's offending to the court.
She stated his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer program which he operated.
The defendant played a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor said, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the man had played this game with the young males "repeatedly", and children had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She explained the defendant had been able to explain this over a long period as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had concerns in July 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "In the summer" his stepson had worries about the situation, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC said materials including infant oil, ointment and syringes were discovered, and his family member notified the authorities about his concerns.
She explained the man went on to play the "treat game" with six children that night - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"The police had not responded by that point," she continued.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was investigating the police response of the events.
Mrs Prior said the children were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson called the law enforcement a second time.
She said the man then conducted the "treat game" in a room of five youngsters.
