A man who spiked sweets with tranquilliser and distributed them to youngsters at a summer program in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two boys aged nine and 10.
The defendant was arrested after eight youngsters and an older person became sick at the location in the summer month.
The elderly man, from that region, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
Yet, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was kept in jail before a further hearing on November 28th.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, outlined Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She said his victims were under-privileged children who were attending a summer program which he managed.
Ruben played a "treat game" with the children, the legal counsel stated, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She told the court the defendant had conducted this practice with the children "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She stated Ruben had been able to explain this repeatedly as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had concerns in July 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "This year his stepson had worries about what was going on, justifiably.
"They resolved" to have a look in the individual's items."
The prosecutor explained objects including infant oil, petroleum jelly and injection devices were located, and his family member notified the law enforcement about his concerns.
She explained Ruben proceeded to engage in the "candy game" with six youngsters that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that stage," she added.
The oversight body, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
The prosecutor said the children were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson contacted the authorities once more.
She said the man then engaged in the "candy game" in a area of five minors.
