A person 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 children both nine and 10.
The defendant was arrested after eight minors and one adult became sick at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the courthouse on Friday.
Yet, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was concerning a young boy.
The accused was remanded in custody before a additional proceeding on late November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, described the defendant's actions to the court.
She said his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer program which he managed.
Ruben engaged in a "treat game" with the children, the prosecutor stated, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and request they to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had played this game with the young males "repeatedly", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the next day.
She said the man had been able to explain this for many years as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had suspicions in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "Recently" his stepchild had worries about what was going on, for good reason.
"They resolved" to examine in the individual's items."
The prosecutor stated objects including infant oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were found, and his stepchild contacted the police about his worries.
She explained Ruben went on to engage in the "candy game" with six boys that evening - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"The police had not responded by that point," she stated further.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, had stated that it was investigating the police response of the situation.
The legal representative said the children were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the stepson called the law enforcement again.
She stated Ruben then engaged in the "candy game" in a area of five children.
