A person who laced sweets with sedative and distributed them to minors at a summer program in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual offenses against two young males both nine and ten years old.
The accused was taken into custody after eight minors and a grown-up became sick at the location in the summer month.
The elderly man, from that region, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Yet, he refused to admit one particular crime he was facing, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was remanded in custody before a further hearing on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, described the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She explained his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a summer camp which he ran.
The man conducted a "sweet game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior said, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and tell them to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge the man had conducted this practice with the boys "over an extended period", and children had previously become sick the following morning.
She explained Ruben had been able to explain this repeatedly as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had concerns in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "In the summer" his family member had concerns about the activities, justifiably.
"They chose" to examine in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC said materials including lubricant, Vaseline and syringes were discovered, and his family member contacted the law enforcement about his worries.
She stated Ruben continued to conduct the "treat game" with six children that night - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"The police had not gone out by that time," she added.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
The legal representative explained the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the stepson notified the law enforcement again.
She stated the defendant then engaged in the "candy game" in a space of five children.
