A man who laced treats with sleeping medication and gave them to children at a summer program in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two boys who were nine and 10.
The accused was taken into custody after eight children and a grown-up became sick at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at the courthouse on recently.
Nevertheless, he denied one particular crime he was charged with, which was involving a young boy.
Ruben was held in detention before a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, described the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She explained his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer program which he operated.
The man engaged in a "sweet game" with the minors, the legal counsel explained, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were settling down and ask them to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge Ruben had played this game with the boys "over an extended period", and children had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She stated Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had concerns in summer 2025.
The legal representative continued: "Recently" his family member had concerns about the activities, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to examine in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel said materials including baby oil, ointment and injection devices were discovered, and his stepchild notified the law enforcement about his concerns.
She explained Ruben proceeded to engage in the "treat game" with six boys that evening - July 26th - and they were all sick the next day.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that time," she continued.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was reviewing the police response of the incident.
The prosecutor explained the children were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson called the authorities a second time.
She explained the defendant then played the "treat game" in a space of five minors.
