A man who laced candy with sedative and distributed them to children at a youth camp in the region has confessed to sexual crimes against two young males aged nine and 10.
The defendant was arrested after eight youngsters and a grown-up experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in July.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at the judicial center on Friday.
Nevertheless, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was remanded in custody prior to a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, handling the case, outlined the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She said his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a youth camp which he ran.
Ruben conducted a "candy game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor explained, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to consume candy "rapidly".
She told the court Ruben had engaged in this activity with the young males "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously become sick the following morning.
She explained the defendant had been able to explain this repeatedly as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had concerns in summer 2025.
The legal representative added: "Recently" his family member had worries about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They decided to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel stated materials including lubricant, Vaseline and injection devices were found, and his family member alerted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She said Ruben went on to conduct the "candy game" with six youngsters that evening - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that point," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was examining the police response of the events.
The legal representative said the minors were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the family member notified the police once more.
She explained the defendant then conducted the "sweet game" in a space of five minors.
