A man who spiked candy with sedative and provided them to children at a youth camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two boys who were between nine and ten.
The defendant was arrested after eight children and one adult experienced illness at the facility in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at the judicial center on recently.
Nevertheless, he denied a single sexual charge he was facing, which was concerning a young boy.
The accused was kept in jail prior to a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, outlined the defendant's actions to the court.
She explained his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer program which he operated.
The defendant engaged in a "candy game" with the children, the prosecutor stated, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and ask them to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings the man had engaged in this activity with the young males "over an extended period", and minors had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She stated the man had been able to explain this for many years as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had worries in July 2025.
The legal representative added: "This year his stepson had concerns about the situation, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to investigate in the individual's items."
The prosecutor explained items including lubricant, Vaseline and injection devices were discovered, and his family member notified the law enforcement about his worries.
She explained Ruben continued to play the "treat game" with six children that night - July 26th - and they were all sick the next day.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that stage," she added.
The oversight body, the investigative body, had stated that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the events.
Mrs Prior explained the children were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson notified the authorities again.
She said the defendant then engaged in the "sweet game" in a room of five minors.
