A man who laced candy with tranquilliser and gave them to youngsters at a youth camp in the area has admitted sexual offences against two boys who were between nine and ten.
The defendant was detained after eight youngsters and an older person experienced illness at the location in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at the courthouse on Friday.
Yet, he refused to admit one particular crime he was facing, which was involving a young boy.
The accused was remanded in custody prior to a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, detailed the criminal behavior to the court.
She said his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a summer camp which he ran.
The defendant engaged in a "candy game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel said, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and request they to consume candy "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings the man had played this game with the children "over an extended period", and children had previously become sick the following morning.
She stated the man had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had suspicions in July 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "This year his stepson had concerns about the activities, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to examine in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC explained objects including lubricant, petroleum jelly and medical needles were located, and his stepson alerted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She stated Ruben proceeded to conduct the "candy game" with six boys that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that point," she continued.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the events.
The prosecutor explained the minors were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson called the law enforcement again.
She stated the defendant then engaged in the "sweet game" in a room of five minors.
