An individual who laced candy with tranquilliser and provided them to minors at a summer camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two young males who were between nine and ten.
The accused was arrested after eight minors and a grown-up became sick at the facility in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at the judicial center on Friday.
However, he denied a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was remanded in custody prior to a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, outlined Ruben's offending to the court.
She said his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer camp which he operated.
The man engaged in a "treat game" with the children, the prosecutor explained, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge Ruben had conducted this practice with the children "repeatedly", and children had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She stated the man had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had concerns in July 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "In the summer" his family member had worries about the activities, with valid cause.
"They chose" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel stated objects including lubricant, ointment and medical needles were found, and his family member contacted the authorities about his worries.
She stated the man continued to engage in the "treat game" with six boys that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that point," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, had stated that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the incident.
The prosecutor said the minors were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so the family member contacted the authorities again.
She said Ruben then engaged in the "sweet game" in a space of five youngsters.
