A person who spiked sweets with tranquilliser and distributed them to minors at a summer camp in the area has confessed to sexual crimes against two young males aged nine and ten years old.
The accused was detained after eight youngsters and an older person became sick at the facility in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the courthouse on recently.
Yet, he disputed a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was held in detention prior to a further hearing on November 28th.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, described the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She said his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a summer program which he managed.
Ruben played a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor stated, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and request they to eat sweets "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings the man had played this game with the children "over an extended period", and children had previously become sick the following morning.
She explained the defendant had been able to explain this over a long period as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had concerns in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "In the summer" his family member had suspicions about the situation, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to have a look in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC explained objects including lubricant, ointment and medical needles were located, and his stepchild contacted the police about his concerns.
She stated the man continued to engage in the "treat game" with six children that time - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that time," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was examining the police response of the events.
The prosecutor explained the youngsters were struggling to walk due to their condition, so the stepson notified the law enforcement again.
She said the defendant then engaged in the "candy game" in a space of five children.
