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An individual who spiked treats with sedative and provided them to children at a summer program in the area has confessed to sexual crimes against two young males both between nine and ten.

The defendant was arrested after eight children and one adult fell ill at the location in July.

The elderly man, from that region, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at the judicial center on the end of the week.

Nevertheless, he disputed a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was against a nine-year-old boy.

Ruben was remanded in custody ahead of a additional proceeding on 28 November.

'Sweet game'

The prosecutor, presenting evidence, detailed the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.

She stated his those affected were under-privileged children who were staying at a summer camp which he ran.

The defendant played a "treat game" with the children, the legal counsel explained, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to eat sweets "rapidly".

She stated to the judge the man had conducted this practice with the children "repeatedly", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the next day.

She explained Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had worries in summer 2025.

The prosecutor stated further: "In the summer" his family member had concerns about the situation, justifiably.

"They decided to examine in the individual's items."

The prosecutor said objects including infant oil, ointment and syringes were discovered, and his family member alerted the police about his worries.

She explained the defendant proceeded to conduct the "treat game" with six youngsters that time - that Saturday - and they were all ill the following morning.

"The police had not arrived by that stage," she continued.

The police watchdog, the investigative body, had stated that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.

Mrs Prior explained the minors were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson contacted the authorities again.

She said the defendant then engaged in the "candy game" in a space of five children.