A person who contaminated candy with sleeping medication and provided them to youngsters at a summer camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two young males who were nine and 10.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight youngsters and an older person became sick at the location in July.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the courthouse on recently.
Nevertheless, he denied one particular crime he was facing, which was involving a young boy.
The defendant was kept in jail ahead of a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, described the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She stated his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer program which he operated.
The defendant played a "sweet game" with the children, the prosecutor explained, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She told the court the man had conducted this practice with the children "over an extended period", and minors had previously become sick the following morning.
She stated Ruben had been able to explain this over a long period as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had concerns in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "In the summer" his stepson had worries about what was going on, justifiably.
"They decided to examine in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC said items including baby oil, ointment and injection devices were located, and his family member alerted the police about his worries.
She stated Ruben proceeded to conduct the "sweet game" with six boys that time - July 26th - and they were all ill the next day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that stage," she added.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, previously told that it was investigating the police response of the situation.
The prosecutor stated the minors were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the family member contacted the police a second time.
She said the man then conducted the "treat game" in a space of five children.
