An individual who contaminated sweets with sleeping medication and gave them to youngsters at a youth camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two children who were between nine and ten.
The accused was arrested after eight children and a grown-up fell ill at the location in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at the judicial center on Friday.
Yet, he disputed one particular crime he was charged with, which was against a young boy.
The accused was remanded in custody ahead of a additional proceeding on late November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, outlined Ruben's offending to the court.
She explained his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a youth camp which he managed.
The defendant played a "candy game" with the minors, the prosecutor said, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were settling down and request they to consume candy "rapidly".
She told the court the defendant had engaged in this activity with the boys "repeatedly", and children had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She said the defendant had been able to explain this over a long period as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had worries in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "In the summer" his stepchild had suspicions about the situation, with valid cause.
"They chose" to examine in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel explained objects including baby oil, Vaseline and injection devices were located, and his family member alerted the police about his suspicions.
She stated the defendant continued to play the "candy game" with six youngsters that evening - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"The police had not responded by that time," she continued.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was investigating the police response of the situation.
The prosecutor explained the minors were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the stepson notified the police a second time.
She said Ruben then engaged in the "candy game" in a area of five youngsters.
