A man who spiked sweets with sleeping medication and gave them to minors at a summer camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two boys who were between nine and ten.
The accused was arrested after eight children and a grown-up became sick at the location in July.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he was present at the courthouse on Friday.
Yet, he disputed a single sexual charge he was facing, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
The accused was remanded in custody prior to a further hearing on late November.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, described the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She said his targets were under-privileged children who were participating in a youth camp which he operated.
Ruben played a "treat game" with the minors, the prosecutor explained, in which he would go into the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to ingest treats "rapidly".
She told the court the man had engaged in this activity with the young males "over an extended period", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She said the man had been able to explain this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had worries in summer 2025.
The legal representative added: "This year his stepchild had worries about the situation, for good reason.
"They resolved" to investigate in the individual's items."
The legal counsel stated materials including baby oil, ointment and medical needles were found, and his stepson notified the police about his suspicions.
She explained the defendant continued to conduct the "treat game" with six youngsters that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that stage," she stated further.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, previously told that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the events.
Mrs Prior said the children were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson contacted the police once more.
She said Ruben then engaged in the "candy game" in a area of five youngsters.
