An individual who contaminated treats with sedative and distributed them to children at a summer program in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two boys aged between nine and ten.
The accused was arrested after eight children and a grown-up experienced illness at the facility in the summer month.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he was present at the courthouse on Friday.
Yet, he denied one particular crime he was charged with, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was held in detention prior to a further hearing on late November.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, outlined the criminal behavior to the court.
She said his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a youth camp which he operated.
The defendant conducted a "candy game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor stated, in which he would go into the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge Ruben had played this game with the young males "repeatedly", and children had previously become sick the next day.
She stated Ruben had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had suspicions in summer 2025.
The legal representative added: "This year his stepson had concerns about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They chose" to investigate in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel stated objects including lubricant, petroleum jelly and medical needles were located, and his family member alerted the law enforcement about his worries.
She stated the defendant went on to play the "candy game" with six youngsters that evening - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"The police had not gone out by that point," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, previously told that it was investigating the police response of the incident.
The legal representative explained the children were struggling to walk due to their condition, so the stepson notified the authorities once more.
She stated the defendant then played the "candy game" in a area of five minors.
