A man who contaminated treats with sedative and distributed them to children at a summer program in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two boys both nine and ten years old.
The accused was taken into custody after eight youngsters and an older person experienced illness at the facility in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at the judicial center on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was against a young boy.
Ruben was held in detention prior to a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, handling the case, described the criminal behavior to the court.
She stated his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer camp which he operated.
Ruben engaged in a "treat game" with the minors, the prosecutor said, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to eat sweets "rapidly".
She stated to the judge the defendant had played this game with the children "over an extended period", and children had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She explained the man had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had concerns in summer 2025.
The legal representative added: "This year his family member had worries about the situation, justifiably.
"They chose" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor stated objects including baby oil, petroleum jelly and injection devices were discovered, and his stepson notified the authorities about his worries.
She stated Ruben went on to conduct the "treat game" with six youngsters that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the next day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that time," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the incident.
The prosecutor said the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so the family member called the police again.
She explained the defendant then conducted the "sweet game" in a space of five youngsters.
