A person who contaminated sweets with sleeping medication and distributed them to youngsters at a summer program in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two young males both between nine and ten.
The defendant was arrested after eight youngsters and a grown-up experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at the judicial center on Friday.
However, he refused to admit one particular crime he was charged with, which was concerning a young boy.
The accused was held in detention before a further hearing on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, outlined the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She stated his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer program which he ran.
Ruben engaged in a "sweet game" with the children, the prosecutor explained, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and request they to consume candy "rapidly".
She told the court the defendant had conducted this practice with the young males "repeatedly", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She said Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had concerns in summer 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "Recently" his stepchild had worries about the situation, for good reason.
"They chose" to investigate in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel stated materials including lubricant, ointment and medical needles were discovered, and his family member alerted the police about his concerns.
She stated the defendant proceeded to engage in the "candy game" with six boys that time - that Saturday - and they were all sick the next day.
"The police had not responded by that time," she continued.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, had stated that it was examining the police response of the situation.
The prosecutor said the children were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the stepson contacted the law enforcement once more.
She stated Ruben then conducted the "sweet game" in a room of five youngsters.
