🔗 Share this article

A man who spiked candy with sedative and distributed them to minors at a summer program in the area has confessed to sexual offences against two children aged nine and 10.

The defendant was detained after eight youngsters and a grown-up experienced illness at the location in mid-summer.

The senior citizen, from that region, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.

However, he denied a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.

Ruben was kept in jail prior to a additional proceeding on late November.

'Treat game'

The legal representative, handling the case, outlined the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.

She stated his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a youth camp which he ran.

Ruben engaged in a "treat game" with the children, the legal counsel explained, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".

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

She said the man had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had concerns in summer 2025.

The legal representative added: "In the summer" his family member had concerns about what was going on, with valid cause.

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

The legal counsel said items including infant oil, Vaseline and medical needles were discovered, and his stepchild contacted the police about his concerns.

She explained Ruben continued to conduct the "candy game" with six boys that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the subsequent day.

"Authorities" had not responded by that point," she stated further.

The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.

Mrs Prior stated the children were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the stepson contacted the police a second time.

She stated Ruben then engaged in the "sweet game" in a space of five children.