A person who contaminated sweets with sleeping medication and gave them to minors at a summer program in the area has confessed to sexual offenses against two boys aged nine and 10.
The defendant was arrested after eight youngsters and a grown-up fell ill at the facility in mid-summer.
The senior citizen, from that region, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
However, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody ahead of a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, described the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She stated his targets were under-privileged children who were attending a summer camp which he managed.
The defendant played a "treat game" with the children, the prosecutor stated, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the defendant had conducted this practice with the young males "for many years", and minors had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She stated Ruben had been able to explain this repeatedly as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had suspicions in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "In the summer" his family member had suspicions about the activities, for good reason.
"They decided to investigate in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC explained items including infant oil, Vaseline and medical needles were located, and his stepchild alerted the authorities about his suspicions.
She explained Ruben went on to conduct the "candy game" with six children that night - that Saturday - and they were all sick the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that time," she added.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, had stated that it was reviewing the police response of the events.
The legal representative stated the children were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so the family member called the police again.
She stated Ruben then conducted the "sweet game" in a area of five children.
