An individual who contaminated candy with sedative and provided them to minors at a summer program in the area has confessed to sexual offences against two boys aged nine and 10.
The accused was taken into custody after eight children and an older person fell ill at the location in mid-summer.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the judicial center on recently.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was held in detention before a further hearing on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, described the criminal behavior to the court.
She explained his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a youth camp which he operated.
The man conducted a "sweet game" with the children, the legal counsel explained, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She told the court Ruben had played this game with the young males "repeatedly", and children had previously become sick the next day.
She said the defendant had been capable of justifying this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had concerns in July 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "In the summer" his stepson had worries about the activities, with valid cause.
"They chose" to examine in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC said objects including infant oil, ointment and injection devices were found, and his stepchild alerted the police about his worries.
She said the man went on to conduct the "sweet game" with six youngsters that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that stage," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, had stated that it was examining law enforcement's management of the events.
Mrs Prior said the children were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson called the police again.
She stated the defendant then played the "candy game" in a space of five minors.
