An individual who contaminated candy with tranquilliser and distributed them to youngsters at a summer camp in the area has confessed to sexual offences against two children aged nine and 10.
The accused was taken into custody after eight minors and an older person became sick at the facility in July.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the judicial center on Friday.
However, he denied a single sexual charge he was facing, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was kept in jail prior to a further hearing on 28 November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, described Ruben's offending to the court.
She stated his targets were under-privileged children who were attending a youth camp which he managed.
Ruben played a "treat game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and request they to consume candy "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings the man had played this game with the children "repeatedly", and minors had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She explained the man had been able to explain this for many years as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had worries in July 2025.
The legal representative continued: "In the summer" his family member had worries about what was going on, justifiably.
"They chose" to investigate in the individual's items."
The legal counsel stated objects including infant oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were found, and his family member alerted the police about his suspicions.
She said Ruben proceeded to engage in the "treat game" with six youngsters that night - July 26th - and they were all ill the following morning.
"The police had not responded by that time," she added.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the events.
Mrs Prior said the children were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson contacted the law enforcement again.
She explained Ruben then played the "candy game" in a space of five youngsters.
