A person who contaminated candy with sleeping medication and gave them to children at a youth camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two boys both nine and 10.
The accused was arrested after eight children and a grown-up fell ill at the location in mid-summer.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he stood at the courthouse on recently.
Nevertheless, he denied one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was held in detention ahead of a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, outlined Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She stated his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer program which he operated.
Ruben conducted a "treat game" with the minors, the legal counsel said, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and tell them to eat sweets "rapidly".
She stated to the judge Ruben had played this game with the boys "for many years", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She explained the man had been able to explain this for many years as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had worries in July 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "Recently" his stepson had concerns about the activities, with valid cause.
"They decided to examine in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC stated items including baby oil, Vaseline and injection devices were located, and his stepson notified the authorities about his concerns.
She explained the man proceeded to conduct the "candy game" with six children that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the next day.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that stage," she continued.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, previously told that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the situation.
Mrs Prior explained the children were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the family member called the authorities a second time.
She stated Ruben then engaged in the "sweet game" in a space of five minors.
