A man who spiked sweets with sedative and gave them to youngsters at a youth camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two boys both nine and 10.
The accused was arrested after eight minors and one adult became sick at the facility in mid-summer.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at the judicial center on Friday.
However, he disputed one particular crime he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was remanded in custody ahead of a further hearing on 28 November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, described Ruben's offending to the court.
She explained his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer camp which he managed.
The man played a "candy game" with the minors, the legal counsel stated, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and request they to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She told the court the defendant had played this game with the boys "for many years", and children had previously become sick the next day.
She stated Ruben had been capable of justifying this repeatedly as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had concerns in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "This year his family member had worries about the situation, with valid cause.
"They chose" to investigate in the individual's items."
The legal counsel said materials including baby oil, Vaseline and medical needles were found, and his stepchild notified the authorities about his worries.
She said the defendant went on to engage in the "sweet game" with six boys that time - that Saturday - and they were all ill the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that stage," she continued.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the events.
Mrs Prior said the children were struggling to walk due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson notified the law enforcement again.
She said the defendant then conducted the "candy game" in a space of five children.
