A man who spiked candy with sedative and gave them to minors at a summer program in the region has admitted sexual offences against two young males who were between nine and ten.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight youngsters and one adult became sick at the location in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at the courthouse on recently.
However, he disputed one particular crime he was facing, which was involving a young boy.
The accused was remanded in custody prior to a subsequent court date on late November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, outlined the defendant's actions to the court.
She stated his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a youth camp which he operated.
Ruben played a "sweet game" with the minors, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were settling down and request they to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the defendant had engaged in this activity with the young males "for many years", and children had previously fallen ill the next day.
She said the man had been capable of justifying this repeatedly as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had suspicions in summer 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "Recently" his stepchild had concerns about what was going on, for good reason.
"They chose" to investigate in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC stated objects including baby oil, Vaseline and injection devices were discovered, and his stepchild alerted the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She stated the defendant continued to play the "treat game" with six children that evening - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that time," she continued.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, previously told that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the situation.
The prosecutor said the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the stepson notified the law enforcement a second time.
She explained Ruben then engaged in the "sweet game" in a area of five children.
