An individual who spiked treats with tranquilliser and distributed them to youngsters at a summer program in the area has confessed to sexual crimes against two boys who were nine and 10.
The defendant was arrested after eight children and a grown-up experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at the courthouse on Friday.
Yet, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
The accused was remanded in custody ahead of a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, described the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She said his targets were under-privileged children who were attending a summer program which he ran.
The defendant played a "treat game" with the children, the prosecutor stated, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had engaged in this activity with the children "over an extended period", and minors had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She said the man had been capable of justifying this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had worries in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "This year his family member had concerns about the situation, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to examine in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC stated materials including baby oil, ointment and injection devices were found, and his stepchild notified the authorities about his concerns.
She said Ruben went on to engage in the "sweet game" with six children that time - that Saturday - and they were all sick the next day.
"The police had not gone out by that time," she continued.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the events.
Mrs Prior explained the minors were struggling to walk due to being ill, so the stepson contacted the authorities again.
She stated Ruben then engaged in the "candy game" in a room of five children.
