Man pleads guilty to sex offences involving young males at summer program
A person who contaminated candy with tranquilliser and provided them to youngsters at a summer program in the area has admitted sexual crimes against two young males both nine and 10.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight minors and one adult fell ill at the facility in the summer month.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at the courthouse on Friday.
Yet, he disputed a single sexual charge he was facing, which was involving a young boy.
The defendant was kept in jail prior to a further hearing on November 28th.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, described the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She explained his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer program which he ran.
The man engaged in a "candy game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor stated, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and ask them to eat sweets "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings the man had played this game with the children "for many years", and children had previously become sick the next day.
She explained the defendant had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had suspicions in July 2025.
The prosecutor added: "This year his stepchild had worries about the situation, for good reason.
"They chose" to have a look in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel stated items including infant oil, Vaseline and injection devices were found, and his stepchild notified the law enforcement about his worries.
She stated Ruben continued to play the "candy game" with six youngsters that night - July 26th - and they were all ill the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that time," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
The legal representative stated the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson called the authorities a second time.
She said the defendant then engaged in the "treat game" in a space of five children.
