A person who spiked candy with sedative and gave them to youngsters at a summer program in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two boys aged nine and 10.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight children and a grown-up fell ill at the facility in July.
The senior citizen, from that region, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at the judicial center 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 accused was kept in jail ahead of a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, outlined the criminal behavior to the court.
She stated his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a summer program which he operated.
The defendant conducted a "sweet game" with the children, the prosecutor explained, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and request they to ingest treats "rapidly".
She stated to the judge the man had conducted this practice with the young males "over an extended period", and children had previously become sick the following morning.
She stated the man had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had worries in summer 2025.
The prosecutor added: "This year his stepchild had worries about the situation, for good reason.
"They decided to examine in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor explained objects including lubricant, petroleum jelly and injection devices were discovered, and his stepson contacted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She said Ruben proceeded to engage in the "candy game" with six children that time - July 26th - and they were all sick the next day.
"The police had not gone out by that point," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, previously told that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
Mrs Prior explained the children were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson contacted the law enforcement a second time.
She explained Ruben then engaged in the "sweet game" in a area of five youngsters.
