A person who spiked treats with sleeping medication and distributed them to youngsters at a summer program in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two children aged between nine and ten.
The defendant was detained after eight children and one adult experienced illness at the facility in the summer month.
The elderly man, from that region, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at the judicial center on Friday.
However, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was kept in jail before a further hearing on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, detailed Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She explained his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer program which he managed.
The man played a "treat game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor explained, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and request they to ingest treats "rapidly".
She stated to the judge the man had engaged in this activity with the boys "over an extended period", and minors had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She said the man had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had concerns in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "In the summer" his stepson had suspicions about what was going on, for good reason.
"They resolved" to examine in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC stated materials including lubricant, petroleum jelly and injection devices were located, and his stepchild alerted the authorities about his worries.
She stated Ruben proceeded to engage in the "candy game" with six boys that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that point," she stated further.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
The prosecutor stated the minors were struggling to walk due to their condition, so the family member called the authorities once more.
She explained the man then conducted the "sweet game" in a space of five youngsters.
