A man who contaminated sweets with sleeping medication and gave them to youngsters at a summer program in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two young males both between nine and ten.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight children and one adult became sick at Stathern Lodge in July.
The senior citizen, from that region, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at the judicial center on the end of the week.
However, he disputed a single sexual charge he was facing, which was against a young boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody prior to a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, handling the case, described the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She said his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer camp which he operated.
The man conducted a "candy game" with the children, the legal counsel explained, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to eat sweets "rapidly".
She stated to the judge the defendant had conducted this practice with the boys "for many years", and minors had previously become sick the following morning.
She stated Ruben had been capable of justifying this for many years as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had concerns in July 2025.
The legal representative continued: "This year his family member had worries about the activities, with valid cause.
"They chose" to examine in the individual's items."
The prosecutor stated items including infant oil, petroleum jelly and injection devices were discovered, and his stepchild alerted the police about his concerns.
She explained the man proceeded to conduct the "treat game" with six children that night - July 26th - and they were all ill the following morning.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that time," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, previously told that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
The legal representative explained the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the stepson called the authorities again.
She stated the man then conducted the "treat game" in a area of five minors.
