A man who contaminated candy with sedative and distributed them to children at a summer camp in the region has admitted sexual crimes against two young males who were nine and 10.
The accused was taken into custody after eight youngsters and one adult experienced illness at the location in July.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he stood at the courthouse on Friday.
Nevertheless, he disputed a single sexual charge he was facing, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was held in detention ahead of a subsequent court date on late November.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, detailed the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She stated his targets were under-privileged children who were staying at a youth camp which he managed.
The defendant conducted a "sweet game" with the minors, the legal counsel stated, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge the man had conducted this practice with the young males "over an extended period", and children had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She said Ruben had been capable of justifying this repeatedly as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had concerns in July 2025.
The legal representative added: "This year his family member had concerns about the activities, for good reason.
"They chose" to investigate in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor explained objects including baby oil, ointment and medical needles were discovered, and his family member contacted the police about his worries.
She said Ruben continued to conduct the "treat game" with six boys that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that point," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, previously told that it was investigating the police response of the incident.
The legal representative stated the minors were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so the stepson notified the law enforcement again.
She stated the man then conducted the "treat game" in a space of five children.
