A man who laced candy with tranquilliser and gave them to youngsters at a youth camp in the region has confessed to sexual crimes against two boys who were nine and 10.
The defendant was arrested after eight minors and one adult fell ill at the location in July.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at the judicial center on Friday.
Yet, he disputed one particular crime he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was held in detention before a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, described the criminal behavior to the court.
She explained his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a youth camp which he managed.
Ruben played a "treat game" with the children, the legal counsel explained, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the defendant had played this game with the boys "for many years", and children had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She stated Ruben had been able to explain this repeatedly as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had worries in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "This year his stepson had suspicions about what was going on, justifiably.
"They chose" to examine in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor said materials including infant oil, Vaseline and medical needles were found, and his family member notified the authorities about his suspicions.
She stated Ruben went on to conduct the "candy game" with six children that time - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that point," she added.
The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was examining the police response of the events.
Mrs Prior said the minors were struggling to walk due to being ill, so the stepson called the law enforcement again.
She stated the man then engaged in the "candy game" in a room of five minors.
