A man who contaminated treats with tranquilliser and distributed them to minors at a summer program in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two boys both nine and ten years old.
The defendant was detained after eight children and one adult fell ill at the facility in mid-summer.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the courthouse on Friday.
However, he disputed a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was involving a young boy.
The defendant was held in detention prior to a subsequent court date on late November.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, described Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She explained his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a youth camp which he managed.
The man conducted a "candy game" with the minors, the prosecutor said, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She told the court the defendant had conducted this practice with the young males "over an extended period", and minors had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She explained the man had been able to explain this for many years as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had suspicions in summer 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "Recently" his family member had worries about what was going on, justifiably.
"They decided to investigate in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC said items including infant oil, petroleum jelly and injection devices were discovered, and his stepchild alerted the authorities about his concerns.
She said Ruben continued to play the "candy game" with six youngsters that evening - July 26th - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that time," she continued.
The oversight body, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was investigating the police response of the incident.
The legal representative said the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the family member contacted the law enforcement again.
She explained the defendant then engaged in the "treat game" in a space of five children.
