An individual who laced sweets with sleeping medication and provided them to youngsters at a summer program in the area has admitted sexual crimes against two boys who were nine and 10.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight children and one adult fell ill at the facility in the summer month.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the courthouse on recently.
However, he disputed one particular crime he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was held in detention ahead of a further hearing on late November.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, outlined Ruben's offending to the court.
She explained his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer program which he managed.
Ruben engaged in a "treat game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel stated, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to consume candy "rapidly".
She told the court Ruben had played this game with the children "for many years", and children had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She said Ruben had been able to explain this for many years as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had suspicions in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "Recently" his stepchild had worries about the situation, justifiably.
"They resolved" to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor stated materials including infant oil, Vaseline and syringes were located, and his stepson notified the police about his worries.
She said the man continued to conduct the "sweet game" with six children that evening - July 26th - and they were all sick the next day.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that time," she added.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, previously told that it was reviewing the police response of the events.
The prosecutor explained the minors were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so the stepson contacted the authorities once more.
She explained Ruben then conducted the "candy game" in a space of five youngsters.
