A person who contaminated sweets with sleeping medication and distributed them to minors at a summer program in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two boys aged between nine and ten.
The accused was detained after eight minors and a grown-up fell ill at the facility in July.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he stood at the judicial center on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he disputed one particular crime he was charged with, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was remanded in custody before a additional proceeding on late November.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, described Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She explained his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a summer camp which he operated.
Ruben conducted a "treat game" with the children, the prosecutor said, in which he would go into the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and request they to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She told the court Ruben had engaged in this activity with the boys "for many years", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the next day.
She stated Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had worries in July 2025.
The legal representative added: "In the summer" his family member had concerns about the situation, justifiably.
"They chose" to have a look in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor stated objects including lubricant, Vaseline and syringes were discovered, and his stepchild contacted the authorities about his concerns.
She explained the defendant went on to play the "candy game" with six children that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that stage," she stated further.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, previously told that it was reviewing the police response of the situation.
Mrs Prior stated the minors were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson notified the law enforcement once more.
She explained the man then played the "sweet game" in a space of five youngsters.
