A man who contaminated candy with tranquilliser and gave them to minors at a summer program in the area has confessed to sexual offences against two young males both between nine and ten.
The accused was arrested after eight youngsters and one adult fell ill at the location in July.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at the judicial center on the end of the week.
Yet, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was involving a young boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody before a further hearing on late November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, outlined Ruben's offending to the court.
She said his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer camp which he operated.
The defendant played a "candy game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor stated, in which he would go into the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and tell them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had conducted this practice with the young males "repeatedly", and minors had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She said the defendant had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had worries in July 2025.
The legal representative continued: "Recently" his stepson had worries about the situation, with valid cause.
"They chose" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor stated materials including baby oil, petroleum jelly and syringes were located, and his stepson contacted the police about his suspicions.
She explained the man proceeded to conduct the "treat game" with six boys that time - that Saturday - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that time," she stated further.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the events.
Mrs Prior stated the minors were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so the stepson contacted the law enforcement once more.
She explained the defendant then engaged in the "candy game" in a space of five minors.
