A man who laced sweets with sleeping medication and provided them to minors at a summer program in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two children aged nine and 10.
The accused was arrested after eight children and one adult became sick at Stathern Lodge in July.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he stood at the courthouse on the end of the week.
Yet, he disputed a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was remanded in custody ahead of a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, outlined Ruben's offending to the court.
She explained his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer program which he ran.
Ruben played a "sweet game" with the minors, the legal counsel said, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She told the court the man had conducted this practice with the boys "for many years", and youngsters had previously become sick the following morning.
She stated the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had worries in July 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "Recently" his stepson had worries about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to investigate in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC said objects including lubricant, Vaseline and syringes were discovered, and his stepchild contacted the authorities about his concerns.
She said Ruben went on to engage in the "candy game" with six boys that evening - July 26th - and they were all sick the next day.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that stage," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, previously told that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the incident.
Mrs Prior explained the youngsters were struggling to walk due to being ill, so the family member contacted the law enforcement once more.
She said the defendant then played the "candy game" in a space of five children.
