An individual who laced candy with tranquilliser and distributed them to minors at a summer program in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two boys aged between nine and ten.
The accused was taken into custody after eight minors and one adult became sick at the location in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at the courthouse on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was held in detention ahead of a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, outlined Ruben's offending to the court.
She explained his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a youth camp which he managed.
The defendant conducted a "sweet game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and request they to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the defendant had played this game with the boys "for many years", and children had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She said the man had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had worries in summer 2025.
The legal representative added: "Recently" his stepchild had concerns about what was going on, for good reason.
"They chose" to investigate in the individual's items."
The legal counsel stated items including baby oil, ointment and medical needles were discovered, and his stepson alerted the authorities about his worries.
She stated the defendant went on to play the "treat game" with six youngsters that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that point," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, had stated that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the situation.
Mrs Prior said the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson notified the authorities again.
She said the man then played the "candy game" in a room of five youngsters.
