A man who spiked candy with sedative and provided them to youngsters at a summer program in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two boys both nine and 10.
The accused was detained after eight children and one adult fell ill at the facility in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the courthouse on recently.
However, he denied a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was involving a young boy.
Ruben was held in detention before a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, detailed the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She said his those affected were under-privileged children who were staying at a summer program which he operated.
The defendant engaged in a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor stated, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were settling down and tell them to ingest treats "rapidly".
She stated to the judge Ruben had played this game with the children "for many years", and children had previously fallen ill the next day.
She said the man had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had suspicions in recently.
The prosecutor stated further: "Recently" his stepchild had concerns about the situation, justifiably.
"They decided to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel stated items including infant oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were found, and his stepson alerted the authorities about his suspicions.
She said the defendant went on to conduct the "candy game" with six children that time - that Saturday - and they were all ill the next day.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that point," she added.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the events.
The legal representative explained the children were struggling to walk due to their condition, so the family member notified the authorities again.
She explained Ruben then engaged in the "sweet game" in a room of five minors.
