A man who laced candy with sedative and distributed them to youngsters at a summer camp in the region has admitted sexual offences against two children both nine and ten years old.
The accused was detained after eight children and a grown-up fell ill at the facility in the summer month.
The elderly man, from that region, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at the judicial center on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he disputed one particular crime he was charged with, which was concerning a young boy.
The accused was kept in jail prior to a additional proceeding on late November.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, detailed Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She said his victims were under-privileged children who were staying at a summer program which he managed.
The man engaged in a "candy game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel explained, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and request they to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She told the court Ruben had played this game with the children "for many years", and youngsters had previously become sick the following morning.
She explained the man had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had worries in summer 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "This year his stepson had worries about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They chose" to have a look in the individual's items."
The prosecutor explained materials including lubricant, ointment and syringes were found, and his family member contacted the law enforcement about his worries.
She explained Ruben proceeded to conduct the "treat game" with six youngsters that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the following morning.
"Authorities" had not responded by that stage," she continued.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, previously told that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
The prosecutor stated the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so the family member notified the law enforcement once more.
She said the defendant then conducted the "sweet game" in a room of five youngsters.
