An individual who spiked treats with sedative and provided them to youngsters at a summer program in the area has admitted sexual offenses against two boys who were nine and ten years old.
The accused was arrested after eight youngsters and one adult became sick at the location in mid-summer.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at the courthouse on Friday.
Yet, he disputed a single sexual charge he was facing, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The accused was held in detention prior to a further hearing on November 28th.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, described Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She said his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a summer camp which he managed.
The man conducted a "sweet game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior said, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She told the court Ruben had engaged in this activity with the boys "for many years", and children had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She explained the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the minors 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 individual's items."
The prosecutor stated items including baby oil, Vaseline and medical needles were discovered, and his family member contacted the police about his concerns.
She explained the man continued to conduct the "treat game" with six children that time - that Saturday - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"The police had not responded by that time," she continued.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, previously told that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the incident.
The legal representative stated the children were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson called the police again.
She explained Ruben then engaged in the "candy game" in a space of five children.
