An individual who laced treats with sedative and gave them to minors at a summer program in the area has admitted sexual offenses against two young males both nine and 10.
The accused was arrested after eight minors and one adult fell ill at the facility in July.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the courthouse on Friday.
Yet, he denied one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was held in detention before a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, outlined the defendant's actions to the court.
She explained his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a summer program which he ran.
The man engaged in a "treat game" with the minors, the legal counsel stated, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She told the court Ruben had played this game with the children "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously become sick the following morning.
She explained the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had worries in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "This year his family member had concerns about the activities, justifiably.
"They resolved" to investigate in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC stated objects including infant oil, petroleum jelly and injection devices were located, and his stepchild notified the authorities about his worries.
She explained the man proceeded to conduct the "treat game" with six boys that night - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"The police had not gone out by that point," she stated further.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was examining the police response of the events.
The legal representative said the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so the stepson called the authorities again.
She said the defendant then played the "sweet game" in a room of five youngsters.
