A man who laced candy with sedative and distributed them to children at a youth camp in the area has admitted sexual offences against two children both between nine and ten.
The defendant was arrested after eight children and an older person fell ill at the location in mid-summer.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he stood at the courthouse on Friday.
Nevertheless, he denied one particular crime he was accused of, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was remanded in custody prior to a further hearing on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, handling the case, detailed Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She explained his victims were under-privileged children who were participating in a summer camp which he ran.
The man played a "sweet game" with the children, the prosecutor stated, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and request they to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings the man had played this game with the children "over an extended period", and minors had previously become sick the next day.
She explained Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had suspicions in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "This year his stepson had concerns about what was going on, for good reason.
"They decided to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC stated materials including baby oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were discovered, and his stepson notified the authorities about his concerns.
She explained Ruben proceeded to conduct the "candy game" with six boys that evening - that Saturday - and they were all sick the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that time," she added.
The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was examining the police response of the situation.
Mrs Prior explained the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the family member contacted the law enforcement again.
She stated the man then conducted the "sweet game" in a room of five minors.
