A man who laced sweets with sleeping medication and distributed them to children at a summer program in the region has admitted sexual crimes against two boys both nine and 10.
The accused was arrested after eight children and one adult experienced illness at the location in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he stood at the judicial center on Friday.
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 kept in jail before a further hearing on late November.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, outlined the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She said his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer program which he ran.
Ruben played a "treat game" with the children, the prosecutor stated, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had played this game with the children "for many years", and youngsters had previously become sick the next day.
She explained the defendant had been able to explain this for many years as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had suspicions in summer 2025.
The legal representative added: "This year his family member had concerns about the activities, with valid cause.
"They chose" to have a look in the individual's items."
The legal counsel stated objects including infant oil, Vaseline and syringes were located, and his family member notified the police about his worries.
She explained the defendant went on to conduct the "treat game" with six children that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"The police had not arrived by that stage," she added.
The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was investigating the police response of the situation.
The legal representative explained the minors were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson called the law enforcement a second time.
She explained the defendant then played the "treat game" in a room of five minors.
