A person who contaminated candy with sedative and distributed them to children at a summer program in the area has admitted sexual offenses against two young males who were nine and 10.
The defendant was detained after eight minors and an older person became sick at the facility in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from that region, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he denied one particular crime he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was remanded in custody prior to a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, outlined the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She explained his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a youth camp which he ran.
The man conducted a "candy game" with the minors, the legal counsel explained, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were settling down and ask them to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She told the court Ruben had engaged in this activity with the children "for many years", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She said Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had concerns in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "Recently" his family member had concerns about the activities, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to investigate in the individual's items."
The prosecutor explained materials including lubricant, petroleum jelly and medical needles were located, and his family member contacted the law enforcement about his worries.
She explained the defendant continued to conduct the "candy game" with six children that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the next day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that stage," she continued.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the events.
The prosecutor explained the children were struggling to walk due to being ill, so the stepson notified the authorities again.
She stated Ruben then engaged in the "candy game" in a area of five youngsters.
