A person who spiked sweets with tranquilliser and provided them to children at a youth camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two boys both nine and ten years old.
The defendant was arrested after eight children and an older person became sick at the facility in mid-summer.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the courthouse on recently.
However, he disputed one particular crime he was accused of, which was against a young boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody prior to a further hearing on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, detailed Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She explained his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a youth camp which he managed.
The defendant engaged in a "treat game" with the children, Mrs Prior said, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were settling down and tell them to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the man had engaged in this activity with the children "over an extended period", and children had previously become sick the next day.
She stated the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had suspicions in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "In the summer" his stepson had worries about the activities, for good reason.
"They resolved" to investigate in the individual's items."
The prosecutor explained objects including lubricant, Vaseline and syringes were found, and his family member contacted the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She explained Ruben went on to engage in the "candy game" with six boys that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Authorities" had not responded by that stage," she added.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, had stated that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the incident.
The prosecutor stated the minors were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the stepson contacted the law enforcement a second time.
She said Ruben then conducted the "sweet game" in a room of five youngsters.