A man who laced treats with sleeping medication and distributed them to minors at a youth camp in the area has confessed to sexual offenses against two children who were between nine and ten.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight youngsters and a grown-up became sick at the location in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the judicial center on recently.
Yet, he refused to admit one particular crime he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The accused was remanded in custody before a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, described Ruben's offending to the court.
She explained his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer program which he ran.
The man conducted a "treat game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor explained, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to consume candy "rapidly".
She told the court Ruben had conducted this practice with the young males "over an extended period", and minors had previously fallen ill the next day.
She stated the man had been able to explain this over a long period as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had suspicions in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "This year his family member had concerns about the situation, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to examine in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel stated objects including lubricant, petroleum jelly and injection devices were discovered, and his stepchild notified the authorities about his concerns.
She explained the man proceeded to conduct the "candy game" with six boys that time - that Saturday - and they were all ill the next day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that point," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, previously told that it was reviewing the police response of the incident.
The legal representative stated the children were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so the stepson notified the law enforcement a second time.
She stated the defendant then engaged in the "candy game" in a space of five minors.
