An individual who spiked candy with sedative and distributed them to children at a summer camp in the area has confessed to sexual offenses against two children who were nine and ten years old.
The accused was taken into custody after eight children and a grown-up fell ill at the location in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at the judicial center on recently.
Yet, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was kept in jail before a further hearing on late November.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, handling the case, outlined the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She said his victims were under-privileged children who were staying at a youth camp which he operated.
The defendant conducted a "treat game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior said, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge the man had engaged in this activity with the boys "for many years", and minors had previously become sick the following morning.
She explained Ruben had been able to explain this over a long period as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had concerns in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "This year his family member had worries about the situation, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to investigate in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC explained objects including baby oil, petroleum jelly and injection devices were discovered, and his stepchild contacted the authorities about his suspicions.
She stated Ruben proceeded to engage in the "candy game" with six youngsters that evening - that Saturday - and they were all sick the following morning.
"The police had not arrived by that point," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was investigating the police response of the incident.
The legal representative said the minors were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the stepson contacted the police again.
She explained Ruben then played the "sweet game" in a area of five minors.
