A man who laced candy with tranquilliser and distributed them to minors at a summer program in the region has confessed to sexual crimes against two boys both between nine and ten.
The accused was taken into custody after eight youngsters and a grown-up fell ill at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he stood at the courthouse on the end of the week.
Yet, he refused to admit one particular crime he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was held in detention prior to a further hearing on late November.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, outlined the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She stated his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a youth camp which he managed.
Ruben engaged in a "candy game" with the children, Mrs Prior said, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to consume candy "rapidly".
She stated to the judge the defendant had played this game with the boys "over an extended period", and children had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She said Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had concerns in summer 2025.
The legal representative continued: "Recently" his family member had worries about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They decided to have a look in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC explained objects including lubricant, ointment and syringes were found, and his family member contacted the police about his concerns.
She said Ruben proceeded to play the "sweet game" with six youngsters that night - July 26th - and they were all sick the following morning.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that point," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, previously told that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the incident.
The legal representative explained the youngsters were struggling to walk due to being ill, so the stepson notified the authorities a second time.
She explained Ruben then engaged in the "candy game" in a area of five children.
