A man who contaminated sweets with tranquilliser and gave them to children at a summer program in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two young males aged nine and ten years old.
The defendant was detained after eight youngsters and an older person fell ill at the location in July.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at the judicial center on Friday.
However, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was remanded in custody before a further hearing on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, described the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She explained his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a summer camp which he ran.
Ruben conducted a "candy game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to eat sweets "rapidly".
She stated to the judge Ruben had conducted this practice with the boys "over an extended period", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She said Ruben had been capable of justifying this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had concerns in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "In the summer" his stepson had worries about the situation, for good reason.
"They chose" to examine in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel stated materials including infant oil, Vaseline and injection devices were found, and his family member contacted the police about his concerns.
She said the defendant went on to play the "sweet game" with six boys that night - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"The police had not gone out by that stage," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, had stated that it was investigating the police response of the incident.
Mrs Prior said the children were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so the stepson notified the law enforcement once more.
She said the defendant then conducted the "sweet game" in a area of five youngsters.
