A man who contaminated sweets with sleeping medication and provided them to children at a youth camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two young males aged nine and 10.
The defendant was detained after eight youngsters and one adult fell ill at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at the judicial center on recently.
Nevertheless, he disputed a single sexual charge he was facing, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was held in detention ahead of a further hearing on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, outlined Ruben's offending to the court.
She said his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a summer program which he operated.
The defendant played a "candy game" with the minors, the prosecutor stated, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to consume candy "rapidly".
She stated to the judge Ruben had engaged in this activity with the children "over an extended period", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She stated the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had concerns in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "This year his stepson had suspicions about the activities, with valid cause.
"They chose" to examine in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel stated objects including baby oil, ointment and injection devices were located, and his family member notified the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She said Ruben continued to engage in the "treat game" with six youngsters that night - that Saturday - and they were all sick the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that point," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was investigating the police response of the situation.
Mrs Prior said the children were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so the family member notified the authorities a second time.
She said the man then conducted the "sweet game" in a area of five youngsters.
