A man who spiked treats with tranquilliser and distributed them to youngsters at a summer program in the region has admitted sexual offenses against two children who were between nine and ten.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight youngsters and a grown-up experienced illness at the facility in the summer month.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at the courthouse on recently.
Nevertheless, he denied one particular crime he was facing, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was remanded in custody ahead of a further hearing on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, handling the case, described the criminal behavior to the court.
She stated his targets were under-privileged children who were attending a summer camp which he managed.
The defendant engaged in a "sweet game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior said, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and request they to consume candy "rapidly".
She told the court the defendant had engaged in this activity with the young males "over an extended period", and children had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She explained Ruben had been able to explain this over a long period as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had concerns in summer 2025.
The legal representative added: "This year his stepson had concerns about the situation, with valid cause.
"They chose" to examine in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC stated items including infant oil, ointment and medical needles were found, and his stepchild alerted the authorities about his suspicions.
She said the man continued to engage in the "candy game" with six children that evening - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that stage," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was reviewing the police response of the situation.
The legal representative said the minors were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the family member notified the law enforcement again.
She explained the defendant then conducted the "sweet game" in a room of five children.
