A man who spiked candy with sedative and distributed them to youngsters at a youth camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two boys aged nine and 10.
The accused was detained after eight children and an older person fell ill at the facility in the summer month.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he was present at the judicial center on recently.
However, he denied one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was against a young boy.
The accused was remanded in custody prior to a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, detailed the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She said his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a summer camp which he ran.
The defendant engaged in a "sweet game" with the minors, the prosecutor stated, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were settling down and ask them to ingest treats "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had conducted this practice with the young males "over an extended period", and children had previously become sick the next day.
She said Ruben had been able to explain this over a long period as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had suspicions in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "In the summer" his stepson had suspicions about the activities, justifiably.
"They resolved" to examine in the individual's items."
The prosecutor explained materials including lubricant, ointment and syringes were found, and his stepson notified the police about his worries.
She explained Ruben proceeded to conduct the "treat game" with six youngsters that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"The police had not responded by that time," she stated further.
The oversight body, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was investigating the police response of the events.
The legal representative stated the minors were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the stepson notified the police a second time.
She said the man then conducted the "treat game" in a area of five minors.
