A man who spiked treats with sedative and distributed them to children at a summer camp in the region has admitted sexual offenses against two boys aged nine and 10.
The accused was taken into custody after eight children and an older person experienced illness at the location in the summer month.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at the judicial center on Friday.
Yet, he refused to admit one particular crime he was charged with, which was against a young boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody prior to a further hearing on late November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, described the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She explained his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer camp which he operated.
The defendant played a "sweet game" with the children, the legal counsel stated, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and request they to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had conducted this practice with the boys "for many years", and minors had previously become sick the next day.
She said the man had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had concerns in summer 2025.
The prosecutor added: "In the summer" his stepson had concerns about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They chose" to investigate in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor explained items including lubricant, ointment and injection devices were located, and his family member contacted the authorities about his concerns.
She said Ruben proceeded to conduct the "sweet game" with six youngsters that evening - that Saturday - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that point," she continued.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was examining the police response of the events.
The legal representative explained the children were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so the stepson called the police a second time.
She said the man then conducted the "sweet game" in a space of five minors.
