A person who contaminated treats with tranquilliser and distributed them to children at a summer camp in the area has admitted sexual offences against two young males aged nine and 10.
The defendant was arrested after eight children and a grown-up became sick at the facility in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he was present at the courthouse on Friday.
Nevertheless, he denied one particular crime he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was kept in jail prior to a further hearing on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, detailed Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She stated his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a youth camp which he managed.
The man engaged in a "sweet game" with the minors, the legal counsel explained, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to ingest treats "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had conducted this practice with the children "repeatedly", and youngsters had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She stated Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had concerns in summer 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "This year his stepson had worries about the activities, with valid cause.
"They decided to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel said objects including infant oil, ointment and injection devices were found, and his family member alerted the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She explained the man went on to play the "candy game" with six youngsters that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the following morning.
"The police had not arrived by that point," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, had stated that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the situation.
The legal representative said the minors were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so the family member notified the law enforcement again.
She stated the man then engaged in the "treat game" in a space of five youngsters.
