A man who contaminated candy with sedative and provided them to minors at a summer program in the area has admitted sexual offenses against two young males both nine and 10.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight youngsters and a grown-up became sick at the location in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from that region, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
Yet, he refused to admit one particular crime he was charged with, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was held in detention before a subsequent court date on late November.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, handling the case, detailed the defendant's actions to the court.
She explained his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a summer camp which he operated.
Ruben engaged in a "candy game" with the children, the prosecutor explained, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to eat sweets "rapidly".
She stated to the judge the defendant had engaged in this activity with the boys "over an extended period", and children had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She explained Ruben had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had suspicions in July 2025.
The legal representative added: "This year his stepson had suspicions about the situation, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to investigate in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC stated items including lubricant, ointment and medical needles were located, and his family member notified the police about his suspicions.
She explained Ruben went on to engage in the "candy game" with six boys that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that point," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, previously told that it was examining law enforcement's management of the situation.
The prosecutor said the minors were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so the family member notified the authorities a second time.
She stated Ruben then engaged in the "treat game" in a area of five children.
