A man who contaminated treats with sleeping medication and distributed them to children at a youth camp in the area has admitted sexual crimes against two boys aged nine and 10.
The accused was taken into custody after eight youngsters and an older person became sick at the facility in mid-summer.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he stood at the judicial center on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was concerning a young boy.
Ruben was held in detention prior to a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, outlined the defendant's actions to the court.
She said his victims were under-privileged children who were attending a youth camp which he operated.
Ruben conducted a "treat game" with the children, the prosecutor said, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to eat sweets "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings the man had played this game with the boys "over an extended period", and children had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She stated the man had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had concerns in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "In the summer" his stepson had concerns about the situation, for good reason.
"They chose" to have a look in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel stated materials including baby oil, ointment and medical needles were found, and his family member alerted the police about his suspicions.
She stated Ruben went on to play the "candy game" with six children that evening - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that point," she continued.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was investigating the police response of the events.
Mrs Prior stated the minors were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the family member notified the authorities a second time.
She stated the man then engaged in the "sweet game" in a area of five children.
