An individual who contaminated treats with sleeping medication and distributed them to children at a summer program in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two boys who were nine and ten years old.
The accused was arrested after eight youngsters and a grown-up became sick at the facility in the summer month.
The elderly man, from that region, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the courthouse on recently.
However, he denied one particular crime he was facing, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was held in detention prior to a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, handling the case, described the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She explained his those affected were under-privileged children who were staying at a summer program which he managed.
Ruben played a "candy game" with the minors, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge Ruben had conducted this practice with the children "repeatedly", and children had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She said the man had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had worries in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "This year his stepchild had suspicions about what was going on, for good reason.
"They resolved" to investigate in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC said objects including infant oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were located, and his family member notified the police about his concerns.
She explained Ruben went on to conduct the "candy game" with six children that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that time," she added.
The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was examining law enforcement's management of the incident.
The legal representative stated the youngsters were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson called the police once more.
She explained the man then conducted the "treat game" in a room of five minors.
