A person who contaminated candy with tranquilliser and distributed them to children at a summer program in the region has admitted sexual offenses against two children who were nine and ten years old.
The defendant was detained after eight children and an older person experienced illness at the location in July.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he was present at the courthouse on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was held in detention prior to a further hearing on November 28th.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, detailed the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She stated his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a summer camp which he operated.
The defendant engaged in a "candy game" with the minors, Mrs Prior said, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and request they to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had played this game with the young males "for many years", and children had previously become sick the following morning.
She stated Ruben had been capable of justifying this for many years as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had concerns in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "Recently" his stepson had suspicions about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They decided to examine in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel said items including lubricant, petroleum jelly and medical needles were located, and his family member contacted the police about his worries.
She stated the man continued to engage in the "candy game" with six boys that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that time," she continued.
The oversight body, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was examining law enforcement's management of the situation.
Mrs Prior said the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson notified the police again.
She explained the man then engaged in the "treat game" in a space of five youngsters.
