A man who laced candy with tranquilliser and provided them to youngsters at a youth camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two boys both nine and 10.
The accused was detained after eight youngsters and a grown-up fell ill at the location in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the courthouse on recently.
Yet, he disputed a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was remanded in custody before a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, outlined Ruben's offending to the court.
She said his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer program which he operated.
The man conducted a "candy game" with the minors, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to eat sweets "rapidly".
She stated to the judge the defendant had engaged in this activity with the children "over an extended period", and children had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She stated Ruben had been capable of justifying this for many years as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had suspicions in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "In the summer" his stepchild had worries about the activities, with valid cause.
"They chose" to investigate in the individual's items."
The prosecutor explained objects including baby oil, petroleum jelly and injection devices were discovered, and his stepchild notified the authorities about his worries.
She stated the man proceeded to play the "sweet game" with six children that time - that Saturday - and they were all sick the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that stage," she added.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, had stated that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the situation.
The legal representative stated the minors were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so the stepson notified the police once more.
She explained Ruben then played the "candy game" in a area of five youngsters.
