Person confesses to sex offences against children at summer program
A person who contaminated treats with sedative and provided them to youngsters at a summer program in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offenses against two children who were between nine and ten.
The defendant was detained after eight minors and an older person fell ill at the location in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he was present at the courthouse on Friday.
However, he disputed a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was remanded in custody ahead of a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, described Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She said his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer program which he managed.
The man conducted a "treat game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel stated, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had conducted this practice with the children "repeatedly", and minors had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She stated Ruben had been able to explain this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had suspicions in July 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "In the summer" his stepson had concerns about the situation, justifiably.
"They chose" to investigate in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC said items including lubricant, petroleum jelly and syringes were discovered, and his family member contacted the law enforcement about his worries.
She said the defendant proceeded to engage in the "candy game" with six youngsters that time - July 26th - and they were all ill the next day.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that time," she continued.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, previously told that it was examining law enforcement's management of the incident.
The prosecutor explained the children were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson notified the law enforcement again.
She stated Ruben then engaged in the "candy game" in a space of five youngsters.
