A man who contaminated treats with sleeping medication and gave them to minors at a summer camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two children aged between nine and ten.
The defendant was arrested after eight minors and a grown-up became sick at the location in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he stood at the courthouse on the end of the week.
However, he disputed one particular crime he was charged with, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was kept in jail before a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, outlined the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She explained his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a youth camp which he ran.
The defendant engaged in a "candy game" with the children, the legal counsel explained, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and tell them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She told the court the defendant had conducted this practice with the young males "for many years", and minors had previously become sick the next day.
She stated Ruben had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had suspicions in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "In the summer" his stepson had concerns about the situation, with valid cause.
"They chose" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor explained materials including lubricant, Vaseline and medical needles were located, and his stepchild contacted the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She said Ruben went on to conduct the "candy game" with six boys that evening - July 26th - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that time," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was examining the police response of the events.
Mrs Prior explained the children were struggling to walk due to being ill, so the family member contacted the police again.
She said the man then conducted the "sweet game" in a space of five children.
