A man who contaminated candy with sedative and gave them to minors at a summer camp in the area has admitted sexual crimes against two children who were nine and 10.
The defendant was arrested after eight youngsters and a grown-up became sick at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he stood at the courthouse on recently.
However, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was against a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was held in detention before a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, outlined Ruben's offending to the court.
She stated his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer camp which he managed.
Ruben conducted a "treat game" with the minors, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge Ruben had played this game with the boys "for many years", and children had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She explained the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had suspicions in July 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "Recently" his stepchild had worries about the activities, justifiably.
"They resolved" to examine in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel said items including baby oil, Vaseline and injection devices were located, and his stepson contacted the police about his worries.
She explained the defendant went on to conduct the "treat game" with six boys that evening - that Saturday - and they were all ill the following morning.
"The police had not arrived by that stage," she added.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, previously told that it was reviewing the police response of the situation.
Mrs Prior said the minors were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the stepson notified the police a second time.
She stated the man then played the "sweet game" in a space of five minors.