A man who contaminated treats with sedative and provided them to youngsters at a summer program in the region has admitted sexual offenses against two children who were between nine and ten.
The accused was arrested after eight youngsters and one adult experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in July.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at the judicial center on recently.
However, he denied a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was against a young boy.
The accused was kept in jail prior to a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, detailed the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She stated his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer program which he ran.
The man conducted a "candy game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to eat sweets "rapidly".
She stated to the judge the man had conducted this practice with the children "over an extended period", and minors had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She explained Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had worries in July 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "This year his stepchild had concerns about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They decided to investigate in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor said items including baby oil, ointment and medical needles were discovered, and his stepchild alerted the police about his concerns.
She explained Ruben went on to engage in the "candy game" with six youngsters that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that point," she continued.
The oversight body, the investigative body, had stated that it was examining law enforcement's management of the situation.
The prosecutor said the minors were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson called the law enforcement once more.
She stated the defendant then engaged in the "treat game" in a space of five minors.
