A person who contaminated candy with tranquilliser and provided them to youngsters at a summer program in the region has confessed to sexual offenses against two young males aged between nine and ten.
The defendant was arrested after eight children and one adult experienced illness at the location in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he was present at the judicial center on the end of the week.
However, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was involving a young boy.
The accused was held in detention prior to a further hearing on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, handling the case, detailed Ruben's offending to the court.
She said his those affected were under-privileged children who were staying at a summer program which he ran.
The man engaged in a "sweet game" with the minors, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had played this game with the boys "for many years", and children had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She explained the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had worries in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "In the summer" his family member had concerns about the activities, justifiably.
"They resolved" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor explained materials including infant oil, ointment and syringes were located, and his family member notified the police about his concerns.
She explained the defendant went on to engage in the "sweet game" with six boys that evening - July 26th - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that time," she continued.
The oversight body, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the situation.
The prosecutor explained the children were struggling to walk due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson contacted the law enforcement once more.
She stated the defendant then conducted the "treat game" in a area of five youngsters.
