A man who contaminated candy with sedative and provided them to children at a summer program in the area has admitted sexual offenses against two children who were between nine and ten.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight youngsters and an older person experienced illness at the location in July.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the courthouse on recently.
However, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was involving a young boy.
The accused was remanded in custody before a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, described Ruben's offending to the court.
She explained his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a youth camp which he managed.
Ruben played a "sweet game" with the children, the prosecutor stated, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the man had played this game with the boys "over an extended period", and minors had previously fallen ill the next day.
She explained Ruben had been able to explain this for many years as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had concerns in summer 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "In the summer" his stepson had worries about the activities, for good reason.
"They decided to examine in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC said materials including infant oil, petroleum jelly and syringes were found, and his stepson alerted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She explained the defendant continued to engage in the "candy game" with six youngsters that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that stage," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, had stated that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the incident.
The prosecutor explained the youngsters were struggling to walk due to their condition, so the family member called the authorities once more.
She stated Ruben then engaged in the "sweet game" in a space of five children.
