A person who laced sweets with sleeping medication and distributed them to youngsters at a youth camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two young males aged between nine and ten.
The defendant was arrested after eight youngsters and one adult fell ill at the location in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he was present at the courthouse on the end of the week.
Yet, he denied one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was involving a young boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody ahead of a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, detailed Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She explained his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a youth camp which he operated.
The defendant played a "sweet game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior said, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge the man had played this game with the boys "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously become sick the following morning.
She said the man had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had concerns in July 2025.
The legal representative continued: "Recently" his stepchild had suspicions about the activities, for good reason.
"They decided to have a look in the individual's items."
The prosecutor said items including lubricant, petroleum jelly and injection devices were discovered, and his stepchild alerted the police about his suspicions.
She stated the defendant went on to play the "treat game" with six boys that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the next day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that stage," she continued.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, had stated that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the events.
The prosecutor explained the children were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson notified the law enforcement again.
She explained the man then played the "sweet game" in a area of five minors.
