A man who spiked sweets with sleeping medication and distributed them to minors at a summer program in the region has admitted sexual offences against two children both nine and 10.
The defendant was arrested after eight minors and a grown-up experienced illness at the location in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he stood at the judicial center on recently.
However, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was held in detention before a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, detailed Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She said his targets were under-privileged children who were attending a summer program which he managed.
The defendant played a "treat game" with the children, the prosecutor explained, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to ingest treats "rapidly".
She told the court Ruben had engaged in this activity with the boys "for many years", and youngsters had previously become sick the next day.
She explained the defendant had been capable of justifying this for many years as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had worries in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "This year his family member had concerns about the activities, for good reason.
"They chose" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel explained items including lubricant, petroleum jelly and injection devices were discovered, and his family member alerted the police about his suspicions.
She explained the man went on to engage in the "candy game" with six youngsters that night - July 26th - and they were all sick the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that point," she added.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, previously told that it was investigating the police response of the situation.
The prosecutor stated the children were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson contacted the law enforcement once more.
She said the man then engaged in the "candy game" in a space of five children.
