A person who spiked candy with sleeping medication and provided them to children at a summer program in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two young males who were nine and ten years old.
The defendant was arrested after eight children and one adult experienced illness at the facility in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from that region, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
However, he denied one particular crime he was charged with, which was against a young boy.
The defendant was held in detention ahead of a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, described the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She stated his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer camp which he managed.
The defendant played a "sweet game" with the children, Mrs Prior said, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were settling down and tell them to ingest treats "rapidly".
She stated to the judge the defendant had engaged in this activity with the children "repeatedly", and youngsters had previously become sick the next day.
She explained Ruben had been capable of justifying this for many years as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had worries in summer 2025.
The prosecutor added: "Recently" his family member had suspicions about the activities, justifiably.
"They resolved" to investigate in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC explained items including lubricant, ointment and syringes were found, and his stepson contacted the police about his suspicions.
She said Ruben continued to engage in the "sweet game" with six boys that night - that Saturday - and they were all sick the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that stage," she continued.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, previously told that it was investigating the police response of the incident.
The prosecutor explained the children were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson notified the authorities a second time.
She stated Ruben then conducted the "treat game" in a area of five children.
