A person who laced treats with tranquilliser and gave them to youngsters at a summer program in the area has admitted sexual crimes against two young males aged nine and ten years old.
The accused was arrested after eight minors and an older person fell ill at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the judicial center on the end of the week.
Yet, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was remanded in custody prior to a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, described the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She explained his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer program which he ran.
Ruben engaged in a "candy game" with the minors, the legal counsel explained, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and request they to eat sweets "rapidly".
She stated to the judge the defendant had played this game with the boys "repeatedly", and children had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She said Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had worries in summer 2025.
The legal representative continued: "Recently" his stepchild had concerns about the situation, for good reason.
"They resolved" to investigate in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel said items including baby oil, ointment and injection devices were discovered, and his family member contacted the authorities about his concerns.
She stated the man proceeded to play the "sweet game" with six boys that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"The police had not arrived by that point," she stated further.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, previously told that it was investigating the police response of the situation.
The prosecutor stated the children were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the family member contacted the law enforcement a second time.
She stated the defendant then engaged in the "candy game" in a area of five youngsters.
