A person who spiked candy with tranquilliser and distributed them to children at a summer camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two children both nine and 10.
The accused was detained after eight children and an older person fell ill at the location in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at the courthouse on Friday.
However, he denied a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was against a young boy.
Ruben was held in detention before a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, detailed the criminal behavior to the court.
She explained his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a youth camp which he ran.
Ruben played a "candy game" with the minors, Mrs Prior said, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and request they to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She told the court the defendant had conducted this practice with the young males "for many years", and children had previously become sick the following morning.
She stated the man had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had worries in July 2025.
The legal representative added: "This year his stepchild had worries about the activities, for good reason.
"They decided to examine in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor stated materials including baby oil, Vaseline and injection devices were found, and his stepson alerted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She said Ruben proceeded to engage in the "candy game" with six children that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"The police had not responded by that stage," she added.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was examining the police response of the incident.
The legal representative explained the children were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson notified the authorities a second time.
She stated Ruben then played the "candy game" in a room of five youngsters.
