A man who laced candy with tranquilliser and distributed them to children at a summer camp in the region has admitted sexual crimes against two boys aged nine and ten years old.
The accused was detained after eight minors and a grown-up became sick at the location in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he stood at the judicial center on recently.
However, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was kept in jail prior to a further hearing on late November.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, detailed Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She stated his targets were under-privileged children who were staying at a summer camp which he ran.
Ruben played a "candy game" with the children, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and request they to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings the man had engaged in this activity with the children "for many years", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She explained Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had suspicions in July 2025.
The prosecutor added: "Recently" his stepson had suspicions about the activities, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to investigate in the individual's items."
The prosecutor explained items including baby oil, ointment and syringes were found, and his family member alerted the law enforcement about his worries.
She said the defendant went on to play the "sweet game" with six boys that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that stage," she added.
The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the situation.
The legal representative said the children were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the family member contacted the authorities again.
She explained the defendant then conducted the "treat game" in a space of five minors.
