A person who contaminated treats with tranquilliser and gave them to minors at a summer camp in the region has confessed to sexual crimes against two children both nine and ten years old.
The accused was arrested after eight minors and an older person became sick at the location in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he stood at the courthouse on recently.
Nevertheless, he disputed one particular crime he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
The accused was held in detention ahead of a further hearing on 28 November.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, described the criminal behavior to the court.
She explained his targets were under-privileged children who were attending a summer program which he operated.
The man played a "candy game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge the defendant had played this game with the young males "repeatedly", and minors had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She explained Ruben had been capable of justifying this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had worries in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "In the summer" his family member had worries about the situation, with valid cause.
"They chose" to have a look in the individual's items."
The legal counsel said objects including baby oil, ointment and medical needles were found, and his family member notified the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She stated the man proceeded to engage in the "sweet game" with six youngsters that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that time," she continued.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, had stated that it was examining law enforcement's management of the situation.
The legal representative said the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the stepson notified the police again.
She stated the defendant then engaged in the "candy game" in a space of five minors.
