An individual who laced treats with sleeping medication and provided them to minors at a summer camp in the region has confessed to sexual crimes against two boys aged between nine and ten.
The accused was taken into custody after eight minors and an older person became sick at Stathern Lodge in July.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the courthouse on recently.
However, he refused to admit one particular crime he was accused of, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
The accused was remanded in custody ahead of a further hearing on November 28th.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, outlined the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She stated his targets were under-privileged children who were staying at a summer program which he operated.
The defendant played a "candy game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel said, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge Ruben had conducted this practice with the young males "over an extended period", and children had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She said Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had suspicions in July 2025.
The legal representative added: "Recently" his family member had concerns about the situation, for good reason.
"They chose" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel said items including infant oil, petroleum jelly and syringes were discovered, and his stepson alerted the authorities about his concerns.
She said the man continued to conduct the "treat game" with six youngsters that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that stage," she added.
The oversight body, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was investigating the police response of the situation.
The legal representative said the youngsters were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson contacted the police again.
She explained Ruben then engaged in the "sweet game" in a space of five minors.
