A man who contaminated candy with sleeping medication and distributed them to minors at a summer program in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two young males aged between nine and ten.
The defendant was arrested after eight minors and a grown-up became sick at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from that region, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the courthouse on recently.
Nevertheless, he denied one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was remanded in custody before a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, handling the case, outlined the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She said his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer camp which he managed.
The man engaged in a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel said, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to ingest treats "rapidly".
She told the court the man had conducted this practice with the boys "for many years", and children had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She stated the man had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had concerns in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "Recently" his family member had suspicions about the situation, for good reason.
"They resolved" to examine in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC stated objects including baby oil, ointment and medical needles were discovered, and his stepson notified the law enforcement about his worries.
She explained the man proceeded to engage in the "sweet game" with six boys that night - that Saturday - and they were all sick the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that stage," she continued.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
The legal representative stated the children were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson notified the law enforcement once more.
She said the defendant then engaged in the "candy game" in a room of five minors.
