A person who contaminated sweets with sedative and distributed them to youngsters at a summer camp in the area has confessed to sexual offences against two boys aged between nine and ten.
The accused was taken into custody after eight minors and a grown-up became sick at the location in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at the judicial center on recently.
Yet, he denied a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was against a young boy.
The accused was remanded in custody before a further hearing on late November.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, described Ruben's offending to the court.
She said his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer program which he managed.
Ruben conducted a "treat game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor said, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to ingest treats "rapidly".
She stated to the judge the defendant had played this game with the children "over an extended period", and minors had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She said Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had concerns in summer 2025.
The legal representative added: "This year his stepson had suspicions about the situation, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to have a look in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC said items including baby oil, Vaseline and injection devices were found, and his family member notified the authorities about his worries.
She stated the man continued to conduct the "candy game" with six youngsters that evening - July 26th - and they were all sick the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that stage," she added.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, previously told that it was examining the police response of the incident.
The prosecutor said the minors were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the family member notified the authorities a second time.
She stated the defendant then engaged in the "treat game" in a space of five minors.
