A man who contaminated treats with sedative and gave them to minors at a youth camp in the region has admitted sexual offences against two young males both between nine and ten.
The accused was arrested after eight minors and one adult experienced illness at the location in mid-summer.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he stood at the courthouse on Friday.
Yet, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was facing, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was held in detention before a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, outlined the defendant's actions to the court.
She stated his targets were under-privileged children who were participating in a youth camp which he operated.
Ruben conducted a "candy game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor stated, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and request they to ingest treats "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had engaged in this activity with the children "over an extended period", and minors had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She said the man had been capable of justifying this for many years as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had concerns in summer 2025.
The legal representative continued: "This year his stepchild had concerns about the situation, justifiably.
"They chose" to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor said materials including baby oil, petroleum jelly and syringes were found, and his stepson notified the authorities about his concerns.
She explained the man went on to conduct the "candy game" with six youngsters that evening - July 26th - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"The police had not responded by that point," she added.
The oversight body, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the events.
Mrs Prior explained the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson called the law enforcement a second time.
She stated the defendant then engaged in the "sweet game" in a space of five youngsters.
