A man who contaminated candy with sedative and gave them to minors at a summer camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two boys aged between nine and ten.
The defendant was detained after eight children and a grown-up experienced illness at the location in July.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at the courthouse on Friday.
Yet, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The accused was remanded in custody ahead of a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, handling the case, outlined Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She stated his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a youth camp which he operated.
The man played a "candy game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior said, in which he would go into the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and request they to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had conducted this practice with the boys "for many years", and children had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She said the man had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had suspicions in summer 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "In the summer" his stepson had suspicions about what was going on, justifiably.
"They chose" to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor explained materials including infant oil, ointment and medical needles were located, and his stepson notified the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She said the defendant went on to play the "treat game" with six youngsters that time - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that stage," she continued.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the incident.
The prosecutor explained the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the family member called the authorities once more.
She stated Ruben then played the "sweet game" in a area of five children.
