A man who spiked sweets with sedative and gave them to youngsters at a summer program in the area has confessed to sexual crimes against two boys aged nine and 10.
The defendant was arrested after eight minors and an older person fell ill at the facility in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at the judicial center on recently.
However, he refused to admit one particular crime he was facing, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was remanded in custody before a additional proceeding on late November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, detailed the criminal behavior to the court.
She explained his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a summer camp which he ran.
The man engaged in a "treat game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel stated, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and request they to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge Ruben had conducted this practice with the young males "over an extended period", and children had previously become sick the following morning.
She explained Ruben had been able to explain this repeatedly as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had worries in July 2025.
The legal representative added: "This year his stepson had suspicions about what was going on, justifiably.
"They chose" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor said objects including baby oil, ointment and syringes were discovered, and his stepchild contacted the authorities about his concerns.
She stated Ruben went on to engage in the "candy game" with six boys that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that point," she continued.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the events.
The legal representative stated the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the family member called the authorities again.
She stated the defendant then conducted the "sweet game" in a room of five children.