A person who spiked candy with sedative and distributed them to minors at a summer camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two boys aged nine and ten years old.
The defendant was detained after eight minors and one adult became sick at the facility in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at the judicial center on the end of the week.
However, he denied one particular crime he was charged with, which was against a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was remanded in custody before a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, outlined the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She explained his victims were under-privileged children who were participating in a summer program which he ran.
Ruben engaged in a "candy game" with the minors, Mrs Prior said, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the man had conducted this practice with the young males "repeatedly", and minors had previously become sick the following morning.
She explained Ruben had been able to explain this for many years as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had concerns in summer 2025.
The prosecutor added: "In the summer" his stepchild had suspicions about the situation, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to examine in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor stated materials including baby oil, petroleum jelly and syringes were found, and his stepson notified the police about his suspicions.
She said the man proceeded to conduct the "treat game" with six youngsters that evening - that Saturday - and they were all ill the following morning.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that point," she continued.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the situation.
The legal representative said the children were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson contacted the police again.
She said the man then conducted the "sweet game" in a area of five youngsters.
