An individual who spiked candy with sedative and provided them to minors at a summer program in the area has admitted sexual offences against two boys who were nine and 10.
The accused was taken into custody after eight youngsters and one adult fell ill at the location in July.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at the courthouse on recently.
Yet, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was against a young boy.
The defendant was kept in jail before a additional proceeding on late November.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, detailed the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She explained his victims were under-privileged children who were attending a youth camp which he operated.
Ruben engaged in a "treat game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor said, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and tell them to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had played this game with the young males "for many years", and children had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She explained the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had concerns in July 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "This year his stepson had worries about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They chose" to examine in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel said materials including baby oil, ointment and syringes were located, and his family member contacted the authorities about his worries.
She stated the defendant went on to conduct the "treat game" with six youngsters that evening - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Authorities" had not responded by that stage," she continued.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the situation.
The prosecutor stated the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the family member called the law enforcement a second time.
She explained the man then conducted the "treat game" in a room of five youngsters.
