A man who contaminated sweets with sedative and distributed them to children at a youth camp in the area has confessed to sexual crimes against two children who were nine and 10.
The accused was arrested after eight children and one adult experienced illness at the facility in July.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at the judicial center on recently.
Yet, he denied one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was against a young boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody prior to a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, handling the case, described the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She explained his victims were under-privileged children who were staying at a youth camp which he managed.
The defendant played a "candy game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel said, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings the man had conducted this practice with the young males "for many years", and youngsters had previously become sick the next day.
She explained Ruben had been able to explain this for many years as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had worries in summer 2025.
The legal representative continued: "This year his family member had concerns about the activities, for good reason.
"They decided to examine in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel stated items including lubricant, ointment and medical needles were found, and his stepson notified the authorities about his concerns.
She said the defendant continued to play the "sweet game" with six boys that night - July 26th - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"The police had not responded by that time," she added.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the situation.
The legal representative stated the children were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson contacted the law enforcement once more.
She said Ruben then played the "sweet game" in a area of five children.
