A man who laced treats with sleeping medication and distributed them to children at a summer camp in the region has confessed to sexual crimes against two young males both nine and ten years old.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight minors and one adult experienced illness at the location in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he stood at the courthouse on recently.
Yet, he refused to admit one particular crime he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
The accused was remanded in custody ahead of a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, handling the case, outlined the defendant's actions to the court.
She stated his targets were under-privileged children who were participating in a youth camp which he managed.
Ruben engaged in a "candy game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were settling down and request they to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She told the court the man had conducted this practice with the children "over an extended period", and children had previously fallen ill the next day.
She explained Ruben had been capable of justifying this for many years as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had worries in summer 2025.
The prosecutor added: "This year his stepson had concerns about the situation, justifiably.
"They decided to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC stated objects including lubricant, ointment and medical needles were located, and his family member notified the authorities about his concerns.
She explained the man continued to conduct the "treat game" with six youngsters that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"The police had not arrived by that point," she added.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was reviewing the police response of the events.
The legal representative said the children were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the stepson called the police a second time.
She explained the man then conducted the "treat game" in a space of five youngsters.
