An individual who contaminated candy with sleeping medication and gave them to minors at a summer program in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two young males who were nine and ten years old.
The defendant was detained after eight youngsters and an older person experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The elderly man, from that region, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he was present at the courthouse on recently.
Nevertheless, he disputed one particular crime he was facing, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was remanded in custody ahead of a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, outlined the criminal behavior to the court.
She stated his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer program which he ran.
The man conducted a "candy game" with the minors, the prosecutor stated, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and ask them to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge the man had played this game with the boys "for many years", and children had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She stated Ruben had been able to explain this over a long period as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had concerns in summer 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "In the summer" his stepson had concerns about the situation, with valid cause.
"They chose" to investigate in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel stated materials including infant oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were found, and his stepchild notified the law enforcement about his concerns.
She stated Ruben continued to play the "sweet game" with six children that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the next day.
"The police had not arrived by that time," she stated further.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, had stated that it was investigating the police response of the incident.
The legal representative explained the minors were struggling to walk due to their condition, so the stepson contacted the police once more.
She stated the man then conducted the "treat game" in a area of five minors.
