An individual who laced candy with tranquilliser and gave them to children at a summer program in the area has admitted sexual offenses against two young males aged between nine and ten.
The accused was taken into custody after eight youngsters and a grown-up became sick at the facility in July.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at the courthouse on Friday.
Nevertheless, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody prior to a further hearing on late November.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, outlined the defendant's actions to the court.
She explained his those affected were under-privileged children who were attending a summer camp which he operated.
The defendant engaged in a "candy game" with the minors, the prosecutor explained, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and request they to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had played this game with the children "repeatedly", and youngsters had previously become sick the next day.
She said Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had worries in July 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "Recently" his stepson had concerns about the activities, for good reason.
"They decided to investigate in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC stated materials including baby oil, petroleum jelly and injection devices were found, and his stepchild contacted the police about his concerns.
She said Ruben went on to play the "candy game" with six youngsters that evening - that Saturday - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"The police had not responded by that stage," she added.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, previously told that it was reviewing the police response of the situation.
The legal representative explained the minors were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so the stepson notified the police once more.
She said Ruben then conducted the "sweet game" in a room of five children.
