A person who contaminated sweets with tranquilliser and distributed them to minors at a summer program in the region has confessed to sexual crimes against two boys both nine and ten years old.
The accused was taken into custody after eight children and one adult experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at the judicial center on Friday.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was against a young boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody prior to a subsequent court date on late November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, described Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She explained his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a youth camp which he managed.
The defendant played a "sweet game" with the children, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were settling down and tell them to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had played this game with the children "for many years", and children had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She said the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had suspicions in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "Recently" his stepson had concerns about the situation, with valid cause.
"They chose" to investigate in the individual's items."
The legal counsel explained materials including baby oil, ointment and medical needles were found, and his family member notified the law enforcement about his concerns.
She stated Ruben went on to play the "sweet game" with six youngsters that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that stage," she continued.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was examining the police response of the events.
Mrs Prior explained the minors were struggling to walk due to their condition, so the stepson contacted the law enforcement again.
She stated Ruben then engaged in the "sweet game" in a area of five minors.
