An individual who laced sweets with sleeping medication and distributed them to children at a summer camp in the area has confessed to sexual offenses against two young males both between nine and ten.
The defendant was detained after eight minors and a grown-up became sick at the facility in the summer month.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at the courthouse on recently.
Yet, he disputed one particular crime he was charged with, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was held in detention prior to a further hearing on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, outlined Ruben's offending to the court.
She said his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer camp which he managed.
Ruben played a "candy game" with the children, Mrs Prior said, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to consume candy "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had engaged in this activity with the young males "repeatedly", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She explained the man had been able to explain this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had suspicions in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "Recently" his stepson had suspicions about the situation, with valid cause.
"They chose" to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel stated materials including lubricant, Vaseline and injection devices were located, and his stepchild notified the police about his concerns.
She stated the defendant proceeded to conduct the "candy game" with six children that time - that Saturday - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that stage," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, had stated that it was investigating the police response of the incident.
The prosecutor said the children were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson notified the law enforcement once more.
She stated the man then played the "treat game" in a space of five children.
