A person who contaminated treats with sleeping medication and provided them to children at a summer camp in the area has admitted sexual offenses against two boys who were nine and 10.
The defendant was detained after eight children and a grown-up experienced illness at the location in the summer month.
The elderly man, from that region, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at the courthouse on the end of the week.
However, he denied one particular crime he was facing, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
The accused was remanded in custody before a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, detailed the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She stated his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer program which he ran.
Ruben conducted a "candy game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor stated, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to ingest treats "rapidly".
She told the court the defendant had played this game with the boys "for many years", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She said the man had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had suspicions in July 2025.
The legal representative continued: "This year his stepson had suspicions about the activities, justifiably.
"They chose" to investigate in the individual's items."
The legal counsel stated materials including infant oil, Vaseline and syringes were discovered, and his stepchild notified the authorities about his concerns.
She stated Ruben went on to play the "candy game" with six children that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"The police had not responded by that stage," she continued.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, had stated that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
The prosecutor explained the youngsters were struggling to walk due to their condition, so the family member notified the law enforcement a second time.
She explained the defendant then conducted the "sweet game" in a area of five children.
