A man who spiked candy with sedative and distributed them to youngsters at a summer program in the area has confessed to sexual offences against two young males both nine and ten years old.
The defendant was arrested after eight youngsters and an older person fell ill at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the judicial center on recently.
Yet, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was concerning a young boy.
The accused was held in detention prior to a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, detailed the criminal behavior to the court.
She said his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer camp which he ran.
Ruben conducted a "treat game" with the children, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She told the court Ruben had engaged in this activity with the boys "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She explained Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had worries in July 2025.
The legal representative continued: "In the summer" his family member had worries about the situation, for good reason.
"They resolved" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC explained items including infant oil, Vaseline and medical needles were located, and his family member alerted the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She said the man continued to engage in the "candy game" with six boys that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that time," she continued.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the events.
Mrs Prior said the youngsters were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so the family member contacted the police again.
She explained Ruben then played the "treat game" in a space of five minors.
