A man who contaminated candy with tranquilliser and distributed them to children at a summer program in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two children aged nine and ten years old.
The accused was arrested after eight minors and a grown-up became sick at the location in July.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he stood at the courthouse on the end of the week.
Yet, he refused to admit one particular crime he was accused of, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was remanded in custody prior to a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, described the criminal behavior to the court.
She stated his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a youth camp which he operated.
Ruben conducted a "sweet game" with the children, Mrs Prior said, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had engaged in this activity with the boys "over an extended period", and children had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She said the man had been able to explain this over a long period as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had concerns in July 2025.
The legal representative added: "Recently" his stepson had worries about the situation, justifiably.
"They chose" to examine in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor said materials including baby oil, Vaseline and injection devices were found, and his family member contacted the authorities about his concerns.
She explained the defendant continued to play the "treat game" with six boys that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"The police had not arrived by that time," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was examining law enforcement's management of the events.
Mrs Prior explained the children were struggling to walk due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson notified the law enforcement again.
She said Ruben then conducted the "sweet game" in a space of five children.
