A man who laced candy with sedative and provided them to children at a summer camp in the region has confessed to sexual crimes against two young males both nine and 10.
The accused was arrested after eight minors and one adult experienced illness at the location in July.
The elderly man, from that region, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at the courthouse on the end of the week.
However, he disputed one particular crime he was accused of, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was held in detention before a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, outlined Ruben's offending to the court.
She explained his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a summer program which he ran.
The defendant played a "candy game" with the children, the legal counsel stated, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and request they to eat sweets "rapidly".
She stated to the judge the defendant had played this game with the children "over an extended period", and children had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She explained the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had suspicions in July 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "In the summer" his stepson had concerns about the situation, justifiably.
"They decided to investigate in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC stated items including infant oil, petroleum jelly and injection devices were located, and his family member notified the authorities about his concerns.
She stated the defendant went on to play the "candy game" with six youngsters that evening - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"The police had not gone out by that time," she continued.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, previously told that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
The prosecutor explained the minors were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the family member called the authorities again.
She said Ruben then played the "sweet game" in a space of five youngsters.
