A man who laced sweets with tranquilliser and provided them to youngsters at a summer camp in the region has confessed to sexual offences against two young males who were between nine and ten.
The accused was taken into custody after eight minors and one adult became sick at the facility in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at the courthouse on recently.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit one particular crime he was facing, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody prior to a additional proceeding on late November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, detailed Ruben's offending to the court.
She explained his victims were under-privileged children who were participating in a summer camp which he operated.
The defendant engaged in a "sweet game" with the minors, the prosecutor explained, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to ingest treats "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings the man had played this game with the boys "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the next day.
She stated Ruben had been able to explain this for many years as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had suspicions in July 2025.
The legal representative added: "Recently" his stepchild had worries about the activities, with valid cause.
"They chose" to investigate in the individual's items."
The legal counsel said materials including baby oil, ointment and injection devices were discovered, and his stepchild notified the authorities about his concerns.
She explained Ruben went on to conduct the "treat game" with six youngsters that night - that Saturday - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that time," she continued.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was examining the police response of the events.
Mrs Prior stated the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson called the police a second time.
She explained the man then conducted the "treat game" in a space of five youngsters.
