A man who contaminated treats with tranquilliser and provided them to minors at a summer program in the area has admitted sexual offences against two young males who were nine and ten years old.
The defendant was detained after eight children and one adult fell ill at the facility in July.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he stood at the judicial center on the end of the week.
Yet, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was involving a young boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody prior to a further hearing on November 28th.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, outlined the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She stated his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a summer program which he ran.
The man engaged in a "candy game" with the minors, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the man had played this game with the children "for many years", and minors had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She explained Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had suspicions in summer 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "Recently" his family member had suspicions about the situation, for good reason.
"They decided to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC explained materials including baby oil, Vaseline and injection devices were discovered, and his family member notified the police about his concerns.
She said Ruben continued to play the "sweet game" with six boys that time - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that time," she added.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
The legal representative stated the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the family member contacted the law enforcement a second time.
She explained the defendant then conducted the "treat game" in a room of five youngsters.
