An individual who contaminated treats with sleeping medication and distributed them to children at a summer program in the region has admitted sexual crimes against two boys who were nine and ten years old.
The defendant was arrested after eight children and one adult experienced illness at the location in mid-summer.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he stood at the courthouse on recently.
However, he refused to admit one particular crime he was facing, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was kept in jail prior to a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, detailed the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She stated his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer camp which he ran.
The defendant played a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor said, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to consume candy "rapidly".
She told the court Ruben had conducted this practice with the young males "repeatedly", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She stated Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had concerns in summer 2025.
The legal representative added: "Recently" his family member had worries about what was going on, for good reason.
"They decided to examine in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC said items including baby oil, petroleum jelly and syringes were found, and his stepson notified the authorities about his suspicions.
She explained Ruben went on to engage in the "sweet game" with six youngsters that evening - July 26th - and they were all sick the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that stage," she continued.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was examining the police response of the situation.
Mrs Prior said the minors were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the family member called the authorities once more.
She stated the defendant then engaged in the "treat game" in a area of five minors.
