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An individual who spiked candy with sleeping medication and gave them to children at a summer program in the region has admitted sexual offences against two young males who were nine and 10.

The defendant was taken into custody after eight minors and a grown-up experienced illness at the location in the summer month.

The elderly man, from that region, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the judicial center on the end of the week.

However, he denied a single sexual charge he was facing, which was involving a young boy.

The defendant was kept in jail prior to a subsequent court date on 28 November.

'Treat game'

The legal representative, prosecuting, detailed the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.

She stated his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer program which he managed.

The defendant conducted a "sweet game" with the minors, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to consume candy "rapidly".

She stated to the judge Ruben had played this game with the boys "for many years", and minors had previously become sick the next day.

She stated Ruben had been capable of justifying this for many years as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had suspicions in July 2025.

The legal representative stated further: "In the summer" his stepchild had worries about the activities, justifiably.

"They resolved" to examine in the man's possessions."

The legal counsel explained objects including infant oil, ointment and medical needles were located, and his stepchild notified the authorities about his concerns.

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

"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that stage," she added.

The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.

The prosecutor explained the children were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the family member notified the law enforcement a second time.

She explained Ruben then conducted the "treat game" in a room of five minors.