A person who contaminated candy with sleeping medication and gave them to youngsters at a summer camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two children aged nine and ten years old.
The defendant was arrested after eight youngsters and a grown-up became sick at the facility in the summer month.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at the judicial center on Friday.
Yet, he refused to admit one particular crime he was facing, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
The accused was remanded in custody ahead of a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, detailed the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She stated his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a youth camp which he managed.
Ruben engaged in a "candy game" with the children, Mrs Prior said, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge Ruben had conducted this practice with the children "for many years", and minors had previously become sick the following morning.
She explained the defendant had been able to explain this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had worries in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "This year his family member had concerns about the situation, with valid cause.
"They decided to examine in the individual's items."
The legal counsel explained objects including infant oil, petroleum jelly and syringes were located, and his family member contacted the police about his concerns.
She stated Ruben continued to play the "candy game" with six children that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that stage," she continued.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the situation.
The prosecutor said the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so the stepson notified the law enforcement again.
She explained the defendant then engaged in the "sweet game" in a space of five youngsters.
