A man who contaminated candy with sleeping medication and distributed them to youngsters at a summer camp in the region has confessed to sexual offenses against two boys both between nine and ten.
The accused was taken into custody after eight children and one adult became sick at the location in the summer month.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he stood at the judicial center on recently.
Yet, he disputed a single sexual charge he was facing, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was remanded in custody ahead of a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, outlined Ruben's offending to the court.
She stated his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a youth camp which he ran.
The man engaged in a "treat game" with the children, the prosecutor explained, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and request they to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had engaged in this activity with the boys "for many years", and minors had previously fallen ill the next day.
She stated the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had worries in summer 2025.
The prosecutor added: "This year his stepson had suspicions about the activities, with valid cause.
"They chose" to have a look in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC stated materials including infant oil, petroleum jelly and injection devices were found, and his stepson notified the police about his worries.
She stated Ruben went on to play the "sweet game" with six youngsters that evening - that Saturday - and they were all ill the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that point," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, had stated that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the situation.
The legal representative said the children were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson contacted the law enforcement a second time.
She said the man then played the "candy game" in a room of five youngsters.
