A man who contaminated sweets with sleeping medication and distributed them to youngsters at a summer camp in the region has admitted sexual crimes against two boys both nine and 10.
The accused was arrested after eight children and a grown-up fell ill at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The elderly man, from that region, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he was present at the judicial center on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he disputed one particular crime he was charged with, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody prior to a further hearing on late November.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, outlined the criminal behavior to the court.
She explained his targets were under-privileged children who were participating in a summer program which he ran.
The defendant conducted a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor stated, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and request they to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge Ruben had played this game with the boys "over an extended period", and children had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She said the defendant had been able to explain this for many years as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had suspicions in summer 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "Recently" his stepson had worries about what was going on, for good reason.
"They resolved" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor said materials including lubricant, petroleum jelly and medical needles were located, and his stepson alerted the authorities about his worries.
She said Ruben continued to engage in the "candy game" with six boys that time - that Saturday - and they were all ill the next day.
"The police had not gone out by that time," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
The prosecutor stated the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson contacted the law enforcement again.
She explained the man then conducted the "treat game" in a area of five youngsters.
