A man who contaminated sweets with sleeping medication and gave them to minors at a summer program in the area has confessed to sexual offences against two young males who were nine and 10.
The accused was arrested after eight minors and one adult experienced illness at the facility in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at the judicial center on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he denied a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody ahead of a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, outlined the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She explained his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a youth camp which he operated.
The man played a "candy game" with the minors, the prosecutor explained, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were settling down and request they to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had engaged in this activity with the young males "over an extended period", and minors had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She said the defendant had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had concerns in July 2025.
The legal representative added: "In the summer" his stepson had worries about the activities, for good reason.
"They decided to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel said materials including baby oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were located, and his stepchild contacted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She said Ruben proceeded to engage in the "sweet game" with six youngsters that night - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"The police had not gone out by that time," she added.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was examining the police response of the situation.
The prosecutor explained the minors were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so the family member notified the authorities a second time.
She stated the defendant then played the "sweet game" in a area of five youngsters.
