A man who spiked candy with tranquilliser and provided them to minors at a summer program in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two boys who were between nine and ten.
The accused was detained after eight children and one adult experienced illness at the location in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
However, he disputed one particular crime he was charged with, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The accused was remanded in custody ahead of a further hearing on 28 November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, described the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She said his targets were under-privileged children who were attending a summer program which he ran.
The defendant conducted a "treat game" with the children, the legal counsel stated, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and request they to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She told the court Ruben had played this game with the boys "repeatedly", and children had previously become sick the next day.
She said Ruben had been capable of justifying this for many years as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had suspicions in recently.
The prosecutor continued: "Recently" his family member had concerns about the situation, with valid cause.
"They chose" to investigate in the individual's items."
The legal counsel explained objects including infant oil, ointment and injection devices were found, and his stepchild notified the police about his worries.
She stated the defendant continued to conduct the "sweet game" with six children that evening - July 26th - and they were all ill the next day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that time," she continued.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
The legal representative explained the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson notified the law enforcement a second time.
She said the defendant then played the "candy game" in a space of five children.
