A man who laced candy with tranquilliser and gave them to children at a summer program in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two boys both nine and 10.
The accused was taken into custody after eight children and an older person experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in July.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at the judicial center on Friday.
Yet, he refused to admit one particular crime he was charged with, which was against a young boy.
The defendant was held in detention prior to a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, outlined the criminal behavior to the court.
She stated his targets were under-privileged children who were attending a summer program which he managed.
Ruben conducted a "sweet game" with the minors, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to ingest treats "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings the man had conducted this practice with the children "over an extended period", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She stated the man had been able to explain this over a long period as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had concerns in July 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "This year his family member had suspicions about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to investigate in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC explained items including lubricant, ointment and injection devices were located, and his stepson contacted the police about his suspicions.
She said Ruben went on to conduct the "treat game" with six boys that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the next day.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that stage," she added.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was examining law enforcement's management of the incident.
Mrs Prior explained the children were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson called the authorities again.
She explained the man then played the "candy game" in a area of five children.
