A person who contaminated candy with sleeping medication and gave them to youngsters at a summer program in the area has admitted sexual crimes against two boys who were nine and ten years old.
The accused was arrested after eight children and an older person experienced illness at the location in July.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he was present at the judicial center on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit one particular crime he was accused of, which was against a young boy.
The defendant was kept in jail prior to a subsequent court date on late November.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, handling the case, detailed the criminal behavior to the court.
She stated his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer program which he operated.
The man conducted a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor said, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had conducted this practice with the children "for many years", and children had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She said Ruben had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had worries in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "Recently" his stepson had worries about what was going on, for good reason.
"They decided to examine in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor explained objects including infant oil, ointment and injection devices were discovered, and his family member alerted the authorities about his suspicions.
She explained the defendant continued to conduct the "treat game" with six children that night - July 26th - and they were all sick the following morning.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that point," she continued.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the situation.
Mrs Prior stated the minors were struggling to walk due to being ill, so the family member contacted the authorities once more.
She said the defendant then conducted the "sweet game" in a room of five children.
