Individual admits sex offences involving children at summer program
A man who laced treats with sedative and provided them to youngsters at a summer program in the area has confessed to sexual crimes against two children both nine and 10.
The defendant was arrested after eight children and one adult experienced illness at the facility in July.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he stood at the judicial center on the end of the week.
However, he disputed one particular crime he was facing, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The accused was remanded in custody before a subsequent court date on late November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, outlined Ruben's offending to the court.
She said his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer camp which he ran.
The man played a "sweet game" with the minors, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and tell them to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had engaged in this activity with the young males "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously become sick the next day.
She said Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had suspicions in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "This year his stepchild had worries about the situation, for good reason.
"They chose" to investigate in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel stated materials including infant oil, ointment and syringes were located, and his stepchild notified the authorities about his suspicions.
She explained the defendant proceeded to conduct the "treat game" with six youngsters that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that time," she continued.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, had stated that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the events.
Mrs Prior said the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the stepson notified the law enforcement a second time.
She said Ruben then conducted the "candy game" in a room of five youngsters.
