A person who spiked sweets with sedative and distributed them to minors at a summer program in the region has admitted sexual offenses against two young males who were between nine and ten.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight minors and a grown-up experienced illness at the facility in July.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at the judicial center on recently.
Yet, he disputed one particular crime he was charged with, which was against a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was kept in jail before a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, detailed the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She said his those affected were under-privileged children who were attending a youth camp which he managed.
The man conducted a "treat game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor explained, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had conducted this practice with the children "repeatedly", and youngsters had previously become sick the following morning.
She stated the man had been able to explain this over a long period as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had worries in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "In the summer" his stepchild had suspicions about the activities, justifiably.
"They chose" to have a look in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC explained items including lubricant, petroleum jelly and medical needles were found, and his family member alerted the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She stated the man went on to play the "treat game" with six youngsters that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the following morning.
"The police had not gone out by that point," she added.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, had stated that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the events.
Mrs Prior explained the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson notified the police a second time.
She explained Ruben then played the "candy game" in a area of five minors.
