A man who contaminated treats with sleeping medication and gave them to minors at a summer program in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two boys aged nine and ten years old.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight youngsters and an older person became sick at the facility in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at the courthouse on recently.
Nevertheless, he disputed one particular crime he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was held in detention ahead of a further hearing on November 28th.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, described the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She explained his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a summer camp which he operated.
The man played a "treat game" with the minors, the prosecutor stated, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge the defendant had conducted this practice with the children "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the next day.
She explained the defendant had been capable of justifying this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had worries in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "In the summer" his stepson had concerns about the activities, justifiably.
"They chose" to investigate in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel said items including infant oil, ointment and syringes were found, and his family member contacted the police about his concerns.
She explained Ruben continued to engage in the "sweet game" with six youngsters that time - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that stage," she added.
The oversight body, the investigative body, had stated that it was reviewing the police response of the situation.
The prosecutor said the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the stepson called the law enforcement again.
She stated the defendant then conducted the "candy game" in a space of five children.
