A man who spiked candy with tranquilliser and gave them to children at a summer program in the region has admitted sexual crimes against two boys aged nine and ten years old.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight children and a grown-up fell ill at the location in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from that region, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Yet, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was concerning a young boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody prior to a further hearing on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, detailed the defendant's actions to the court.
She said his targets were under-privileged children who were staying at a summer program which he operated.
Ruben played a "sweet game" with the children, Mrs Prior said, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and request they to ingest treats "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had engaged in this activity with the children "over an extended period", and minors had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She said the man had been able to explain this over a long period as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had suspicions in recently.
The legal representative stated further: "This year his stepson had worries about the activities, with valid cause.
"They chose" to examine in the individual's items."
The legal counsel explained materials including baby oil, Vaseline and injection devices were found, and his family member alerted the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She stated the man went on to engage in the "treat game" with six youngsters that time - July 26th - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that point," she continued.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was investigating the police response of the incident.
The prosecutor stated the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson called the authorities once more.
She explained the defendant then played the "candy game" in a space of five youngsters.
