A man who laced sweets with tranquilliser and gave them to children at a summer program in the region has admitted sexual crimes against two young males who were between nine and ten.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight children and a grown-up fell ill at Stathern Lodge in July.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at the courthouse on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was against a young boy.
Ruben was kept in jail before a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, described the criminal behavior to the court.
She stated his those affected were under-privileged children who were attending a summer camp which he operated.
Ruben conducted a "treat game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel stated, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She told the court Ruben had conducted this practice with the young males "over an extended period", and minors had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She said the defendant had been able to explain this over a long period as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had suspicions in summer 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "In the summer" his stepson had suspicions about the situation, with valid cause.
"They decided to investigate in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel explained materials including infant oil, Vaseline and medical needles were found, and his family member notified the authorities about his suspicions.
She stated Ruben proceeded to engage in the "candy game" with six youngsters that night - July 26th - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"The police had not arrived by that time," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, had stated that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the situation.
The legal representative explained the children were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so the stepson contacted the authorities once more.
She explained the defendant then engaged in the "sweet game" in a space of five minors.
