A man who laced treats with sedative and provided them to minors at a summer program in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two boys aged nine and 10.
The accused was arrested after eight minors and a grown-up fell ill at Stathern Lodge in July.
The senior citizen, from that region, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at the judicial center on recently.
However, he denied a single sexual charge he was facing, which was against a young boy.
Ruben was kept in jail before a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, described the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She stated his those affected were under-privileged children who were staying at a summer program which he ran.
Ruben engaged in a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor explained, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and request they to eat sweets "rapidly".
She stated to the judge the man had conducted this practice with the boys "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously become sick the next day.
She stated the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had concerns in summer 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "Recently" his family member had suspicions about the situation, justifiably.
"They decided to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel said items including infant oil, ointment and medical needles were found, and his family member alerted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She stated the man proceeded to conduct the "treat game" with six boys that night - that Saturday - and they were all sick the next day.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that point," she added.
The oversight body, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
The legal representative stated the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson contacted the authorities a second time.
She stated the defendant then conducted the "candy game" in a area of five minors.
