A person who spiked treats with sedative and gave them to children at a summer camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two boys who were between nine and ten.
The accused was arrested after eight youngsters and one adult became sick at the location in July.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at the judicial center on recently.
However, he disputed a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was held in detention before a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, detailed the criminal behavior to the court.
She said his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer program which he operated.
The man played a "candy game" with the minors, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and request they to eat sweets "rapidly".
She told the court the man had played this game with the boys "repeatedly", and children had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She said the defendant had been able to explain this repeatedly as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had worries in July 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "This year his stepson had concerns about the activities, for good reason.
"They resolved" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor explained objects including lubricant, ointment and medical needles were located, and his family member contacted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She said Ruben went on to engage in the "candy game" with six youngsters that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that stage," she added.
The oversight body, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was examining the police response of the incident.
Mrs Prior said the children were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so the stepson notified the authorities a second time.
She stated Ruben then engaged in the "treat game" in a room of five youngsters.
