An individual who spiked treats with tranquilliser and gave them to minors at a summer camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offences 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 facility in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he stood at the judicial center on recently.
However, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was against a young boy.
The accused was kept in jail before a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, outlined Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She stated his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a summer program which he ran.
The man conducted a "sweet game" with the minors, the legal counsel said, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She told the court the defendant had played this game with the children "for many years", and minors had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She explained the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had concerns in summer 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "Recently" his stepchild had concerns about the situation, for good reason.
"They decided to have a look in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC stated items including baby oil, petroleum jelly and syringes were found, and his stepchild contacted the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She stated the defendant continued to engage in the "sweet game" with six youngsters that time - that Saturday - and they were all sick the following morning.
"The police had not responded by that stage," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was examining the police response of the events.
The legal representative stated the children were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson notified the law enforcement a second time.
She said Ruben then played the "sweet game" in a room of five youngsters.
