A man who spiked sweets with tranquilliser and distributed them to children at a youth camp in the region has admitted sexual offenses against two young males both between nine and ten.
The accused was arrested after eight youngsters and an older person fell ill at the location in mid-summer.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he was present at the judicial center on the end of the week.
Yet, he denied one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was involving a young boy.
The defendant was held in detention before a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, described the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She explained his victims were under-privileged children who were attending a summer program which he ran.
The man conducted a "candy game" with the children, the prosecutor stated, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She told the court the man had engaged in this activity with the children "for many years", and minors had previously become sick the next day.
She said Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had concerns in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "This year his stepchild had concerns about what was going on, for good reason.
"They chose" to have a look in the individual's items."
The prosecutor stated objects including baby oil, ointment and medical needles were discovered, and his stepchild alerted the law enforcement about his worries.
She explained Ruben continued to play the "candy game" with six children that evening - July 26th - and they were all sick the following morning.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that time," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was investigating the police response of the events.
Mrs Prior said the minors were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the stepson contacted the law enforcement once more.
She said the defendant then conducted the "sweet game" in a space of five minors.
