A man who contaminated candy with tranquilliser and distributed them to minors at a summer program in the region has confessed to sexual offences against two children who were nine and 10.
The defendant was arrested after eight minors and an older person fell ill at the facility in mid-summer.
The senior citizen, from that region, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Nevertheless, he denied one particular crime he was accused of, which was concerning a young boy.
Ruben was kept in jail ahead of a further hearing on 28 November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, outlined the criminal behavior to the court.
She stated his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer program which he ran.
Ruben engaged in a "candy game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior said, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to ingest treats "rapidly".
She told the court Ruben had conducted this practice with the children "for many years", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She stated the man had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had worries in July 2025.
The prosecutor added: "In the summer" his stepson had suspicions about the situation, with valid cause.
"They decided to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC explained objects including infant oil, Vaseline and medical needles were located, and his stepchild notified the authorities about his suspicions.
She explained the defendant went on to conduct the "sweet game" with six youngsters that time - July 26th - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that point," she added.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, previously told that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
The legal representative stated the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so the stepson contacted the law enforcement a second time.
She said Ruben then played the "sweet game" in a space of five children.
