An individual who laced candy with sedative and distributed them to youngsters at a summer program in the region has confessed to sexual offences against two children both nine and ten years old.
The accused was detained after eight minors and a grown-up fell ill at the location in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at the courthouse on Friday.
Yet, he refused to admit one particular crime he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was held in detention prior to a further hearing on late November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, handling the case, detailed the defendant's actions to the court.
She explained his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer camp which he managed.
The man played a "sweet game" with the minors, the legal counsel stated, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were settling down and request they to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had conducted this practice with the children "for many years", and children had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She stated Ruben had been able to explain this for many years as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had suspicions in summer 2025.
The legal representative added: "In the summer" his stepchild had concerns about the situation, with valid cause.
"They chose" to have a look in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC said items including lubricant, ointment and medical needles were located, and his stepchild notified the authorities about his suspicions.
She stated the defendant continued to conduct the "treat game" with six youngsters that evening - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that point," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the situation.
The legal representative explained the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the family member contacted the law enforcement once more.
She stated the defendant then engaged in the "treat game" in a area of five children.
