A person who laced treats with sleeping medication and gave them to youngsters at a summer program in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two children who were nine and 10.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight minors and a grown-up experienced illness at the facility in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he was present at the judicial center on Friday.
Yet, he disputed one particular crime he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
The accused was remanded in custody ahead of a further hearing on late November.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, outlined the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She said his victims were under-privileged children who were participating in a summer program which he ran.
The defendant engaged in a "treat game" with the minors, the prosecutor explained, in which he would go into the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to eat sweets "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had engaged in this activity with the boys "for many years", and minors had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She said the man had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had worries in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "This year his stepchild had worries about the activities, justifiably.
"They resolved" to have a look in the individual's items."
The prosecutor said materials including baby oil, ointment and injection devices were found, and his stepchild contacted the authorities about his suspicions.
She explained Ruben went on to engage in the "candy game" with six boys that time - July 26th - and they were all sick the following morning.
"The police had not responded by that point," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, had stated that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the situation.
Mrs Prior stated the minors were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson contacted the law enforcement again.
She explained the defendant then engaged in the "candy game" in a area of five minors.
