An individual who laced candy with tranquilliser and distributed them to children at a youth camp in the area has confessed to sexual offenses against two boys who were nine and ten years old.
The accused was detained after eight youngsters and a grown-up experienced illness at the facility in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at the courthouse on Friday.
Yet, he refused to admit one particular crime he was accused of, which was against a young boy.
The accused was remanded in custody ahead of a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, described the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She said his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer program which he managed.
The man played a "treat game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor stated, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She told the court the man had played this game with the young males "for many years", and minors had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She stated Ruben had been able to explain this repeatedly as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had suspicions in July 2025.
The legal representative continued: "In the summer" his stepchild had worries about the activities, for good reason.
"They chose" to examine in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC said materials including infant oil, Vaseline and medical needles were discovered, and his family member notified the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She said the man proceeded to engage in the "sweet game" with six children that evening - July 26th - and they were all ill the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that time," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was investigating the police response of the events.
The prosecutor explained the children were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so the stepson contacted the police once more.
She stated the defendant then conducted the "treat game" in a space of five children.
