An individual who spiked sweets with tranquilliser and distributed them to children at a summer program in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two young males aged nine and ten years old.
The accused was detained after eight children and a grown-up fell ill at the location in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at the courthouse on Friday.
Yet, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was involving a young boy.
The accused was remanded in custody before a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, described the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She said his victims were under-privileged children who were participating in a summer program which he operated.
The man conducted a "candy game" with the children, the prosecutor stated, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the man had engaged in this activity with the young males "for many years", and youngsters had previously become sick the following morning.
She stated the defendant had been able to explain this for many years as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had worries in summer 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "This year his family member had suspicions about the activities, for good reason.
"They decided to have a look in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor explained materials including baby oil, Vaseline and medical needles were found, and his stepchild contacted the police about his worries.
She said Ruben proceeded to play the "sweet game" with six children that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"The police had not gone out by that stage," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the situation.
Mrs Prior said the children were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the stepson called the police once more.
She explained the man then conducted the "sweet game" in a space of five youngsters.
