An individual who laced sweets with sleeping medication and gave them to youngsters at a youth camp in the area has confessed to sexual offenses against two children who were nine and 10.
The defendant was detained after eight youngsters and one adult fell ill at the facility in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the courthouse on the end of the week.
However, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was remanded in custody ahead of a further hearing on November 28th.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, described the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She said his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a youth camp which he ran.
The man conducted a "candy game" with the children, the legal counsel explained, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were settling down and request they to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge Ruben had played this game with the young males "for many years", and children had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She explained Ruben had been capable of justifying this for many years as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had worries in July 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "Recently" his family member had concerns about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to investigate in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC said objects including baby oil, ointment and medical needles were discovered, and his stepson contacted the law enforcement about his worries.
She stated the man proceeded to play the "treat game" with six youngsters that night - July 26th - and they were all sick the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that point," she added.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the incident.
The prosecutor stated the children were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson contacted the authorities once more.
She stated the defendant then engaged in the "candy game" in a space of five minors.
