A man who laced candy with sedative and gave them to minors at a summer program in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two young males who were between nine and ten.
The defendant was detained after eight minors and one adult fell ill at the location in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the courthouse on Friday.
However, he denied a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
The accused was held in detention prior to a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, outlined the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She stated his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a youth camp which he ran.
The defendant conducted a "treat game" with the children, the prosecutor explained, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and request they to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings the man had engaged in this activity with the boys "for many years", and children had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She said Ruben had been capable of justifying this for many years as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had concerns in summer 2025.
The legal representative continued: "Recently" his stepchild had concerns about the activities, with valid cause.
"They chose" to examine in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC stated materials including infant oil, Vaseline and syringes were located, and his family member alerted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She said Ruben went on to conduct the "treat game" with six children that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the following morning.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that stage," she added.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the situation.
The legal representative stated the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the stepson notified the authorities again.
She stated the defendant then played the "sweet game" in a room of five children.
