An individual who laced treats with tranquilliser and provided them to minors at a youth camp in the region has confessed to sexual crimes against two children who were nine and 10.
The accused was taken into custody after eight children and one adult fell ill at the location in mid-summer.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the courthouse on recently.
However, he denied one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The accused was held in detention before a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, described Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She explained his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a summer program which he managed.
The defendant conducted a "candy game" with the minors, the legal counsel explained, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to consume candy "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings the man had engaged in this activity with the children "for many years", and children had previously become sick the next day.
She explained the defendant had been able to explain this repeatedly as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had worries in summer 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "Recently" his stepson had worries about the situation, for good reason.
"They resolved" to examine in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor explained objects including lubricant, petroleum jelly and injection devices were found, and his family member notified the law enforcement about his concerns.
She stated the defendant went on to conduct the "treat game" with six youngsters that time - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that time," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was examining law enforcement's management of the incident.
Mrs Prior explained the minors were struggling to walk due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson notified the law enforcement a second time.
She said the man then played the "candy game" in a space of five children.
