A man who spiked candy with sleeping medication and gave them to minors at a summer program in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two children who were between nine and ten.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight minors and one adult became sick at the location in the summer month.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he was present at the courthouse on Friday.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was held in detention prior to a subsequent court date on late November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, outlined Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She stated his targets were under-privileged children who were staying at a summer program which he ran.
The man engaged in a "treat game" with the children, the legal counsel explained, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and request they to consume candy "rapidly".
She stated to the judge Ruben had conducted this practice with the young males "for many years", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She stated the man had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had suspicions in July 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "In the summer" his stepson had worries about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They decided to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC said materials including baby oil, petroleum jelly and injection devices were located, and his family member notified the authorities about his concerns.
She said Ruben went on to conduct the "treat game" with six youngsters that evening - that Saturday - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that time," she stated further.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was examining the police response of the events.
Mrs Prior stated the minors were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson contacted the authorities once more.
She said Ruben then conducted the "treat game" in a room of five minors.
