A person who contaminated candy with tranquilliser and distributed them to minors at a summer program in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two children aged between nine and ten.
The accused was detained after eight children and an older person fell ill at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he stood at the judicial center on recently.
However, he denied one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was held in detention ahead of a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, detailed the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She explained his those affected were under-privileged children who were participating in a youth camp which he ran.
Ruben conducted a "treat game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor explained, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were settling down and ask them to ingest treats "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings the man had played this game with the young males "over an extended period", and children had previously become sick the following morning.
She explained Ruben had been able to explain this repeatedly as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had concerns in summer 2025.
The prosecutor added: "This year his stepson had worries about what was going on, justifiably.
"They chose" to have a look in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor explained materials including baby oil, Vaseline and injection devices were discovered, and his stepson alerted the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She explained the defendant went on to engage in the "candy game" with six boys that evening - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"The police had not gone out by that point," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, had stated that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the incident.
The legal representative explained the children were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so the stepson contacted the police again.
She explained Ruben then conducted the "treat game" in a room of five youngsters.
