An individual who spiked treats with sedative and distributed them to minors at a youth camp in the area has confessed to sexual crimes against two young males both nine and 10.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight youngsters and a grown-up fell ill at the location in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the judicial center on Friday.
However, he denied a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
The accused was kept in jail before a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, described the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She said his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a summer camp which he ran.
The man conducted a "candy game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior said, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had conducted this practice with the children "for many years", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She explained Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had concerns in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "Recently" his family member had concerns about the situation, justifiably.
"They decided to examine in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC stated materials including infant oil, Vaseline and injection devices were found, and his family member contacted the law enforcement about his worries.
She explained Ruben continued to engage in the "candy game" with six boys that night - July 26th - and they were all sick the following morning.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that time," she continued.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the events.
The legal representative said the children were struggling to walk due to their condition, so the stepson called the law enforcement a second time.
She explained the man then played the "candy game" in a room of five youngsters.
