A person who spiked candy with sleeping medication and distributed them to children at a youth camp in the area has admitted sexual offenses against two young males both nine and 10.
The accused was detained after eight minors and one adult fell ill at the facility in July.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the judicial center on Friday.
Nevertheless, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was held in detention ahead of a additional proceeding on late November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, described the defendant's actions to the court.
She said his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer camp which he ran.
The defendant engaged in a "sweet game" with the minors, the legal counsel explained, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had engaged in this activity with the young males "for many years", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She explained the man had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had concerns in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "Recently" his family member had concerns about the activities, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to examine in the individual's items."
The legal counsel said materials including baby oil, ointment and injection devices were located, and his family member notified the authorities about his concerns.
She explained Ruben went on to play the "sweet game" with six youngsters that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that time," she continued.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, had stated that it was examining the police response of the events.
The legal representative stated the children were struggling to walk due to their condition, so the family member called the police again.
She stated the defendant then conducted the "treat game" in a space of five minors.
