An individual who contaminated candy with sleeping medication and provided them to minors at a youth camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two boys who were nine and ten years old.
The accused was arrested after eight children and a grown-up became sick at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the courthouse on the end of the week.
However, he denied one particular crime he was accused of, which was involving a young boy.
Ruben was kept in jail ahead of a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, detailed the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She stated his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer program which he operated.
Ruben engaged in a "treat game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior said, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and request they to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge Ruben had played this game with the boys "for many years", and youngsters had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She said Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had concerns in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "This year his family member had suspicions about the situation, for good reason.
"They decided to investigate in the individual's items."
The legal counsel stated materials including infant oil, ointment and injection devices were located, and his stepson contacted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She explained the man went on to conduct the "candy game" with six boys that time - July 26th - and they were all sick the next day.
"The police had not gone out by that stage," she continued.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was investigating the police response of the events.
The prosecutor stated the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the family member called the authorities a second time.
She stated Ruben then conducted the "candy game" in a room of five youngsters.
