An individual who contaminated candy with tranquilliser and distributed them to youngsters at a summer program in the area has admitted sexual crimes against two young males both nine and ten years old.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight children and one adult experienced illness at the facility in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he was present at the courthouse on Friday.
However, he denied a single sexual charge he was facing, which was against a young boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody prior to a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, detailed the criminal behavior to the court.
She stated his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer camp which he ran.
The man conducted a "treat game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor said, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and request they to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had played this game with the boys "over an extended period", and minors had previously become sick the next day.
She stated Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had suspicions in summer 2025.
The prosecutor added: "This year his stepchild had worries about the situation, for good reason.
"They chose" to examine in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel stated objects including infant oil, petroleum jelly and syringes were found, and his stepson notified the police about his concerns.
She stated the defendant went on to conduct the "sweet game" with six boys that time - that Saturday - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"The police had not arrived by that time," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was examining law enforcement's management of the situation.
The prosecutor stated the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson called the police a second time.
She stated Ruben then engaged in the "candy game" in a space of five minors.
