An individual who spiked sweets with sleeping medication and gave them to youngsters at a youth camp in the area has admitted sexual offenses against two young males both nine and 10.
The accused was detained after eight youngsters and an older person fell ill at the location in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he was present at the judicial center on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he disputed one particular crime he was facing, which was involving a young boy.
The defendant was held in detention ahead of a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, outlined the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She explained his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a youth camp which he operated.
The man conducted a "sweet game" with the minors, the prosecutor said, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to eat sweets "rapidly".
She stated to the judge the man had engaged in this activity with the boys "repeatedly", and children had previously fallen ill the next day.
She stated the man had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had worries in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "In the summer" his stepson had concerns about the situation, justifiably.
"They decided to investigate in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC explained materials including baby oil, ointment and syringes were located, and his stepson alerted the law enforcement about his worries.
She said Ruben continued to engage in the "treat game" with six children that evening - that Saturday - and they were all sick the next day.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that time," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was reviewing the police response of the situation.
The prosecutor explained the children were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the family member contacted the law enforcement a second time.
She stated Ruben then played the "sweet game" in a space of five children.
