A man who spiked sweets with sedative and gave them to youngsters at a youth camp in the region has admitted sexual offenses against two young males who were nine and 10.
The accused was taken into custody after eight youngsters and one adult experienced illness at the facility in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the courthouse on Friday.
Nevertheless, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody before a further hearing on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, outlined the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She explained his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer program which he ran.
The defendant engaged in a "candy game" with the children, the prosecutor said, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were settling down and ask them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She told the court the man had played this game with the young males "repeatedly", and children had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She stated the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had concerns in July 2025.
The legal representative continued: "This year his family member had concerns about what was going on, justifiably.
"They decided to have a look in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor explained items including baby oil, ointment and syringes were found, and his stepchild alerted the police about his concerns.
She explained the man proceeded to conduct the "candy game" with six boys that night - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that stage," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, had stated that it was examining the police response of the events.
The legal representative stated the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the family member notified the authorities again.
She said Ruben then conducted the "treat game" in a area of five children.
