An individual who spiked sweets with sleeping medication and distributed them to minors at a summer program in the region has confessed to sexual crimes against two boys aged between nine and ten.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight minors and one adult became sick at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the courthouse on recently.
However, he disputed a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was held in detention ahead of a further hearing on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, outlined the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She explained his those affected were under-privileged children who were staying at a summer program which he managed.
The defendant engaged in a "candy game" with the minors, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge the man had played this game with the young males "repeatedly", and minors had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She explained the defendant had been able to explain this over a long period as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had concerns in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "Recently" his stepchild had worries about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to examine in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel explained items including infant oil, petroleum jelly and syringes were found, and his family member alerted the authorities about his worries.
She explained Ruben went on to engage in the "sweet game" with six children that evening - that Saturday - and they were all ill the next day.
"The police had not responded by that time," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the events.
Mrs Prior stated the youngsters were struggling to walk due to being ill, so the stepson contacted the police a second time.
She explained the man then conducted the "candy game" in a area of five youngsters.
