A person who contaminated treats with tranquilliser and provided them to minors at a summer camp in the region has confessed to sexual crimes against two young males both nine and 10.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight children and an older person became sick at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he stood at the judicial center on recently.
Yet, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody before a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, described the defendant's actions to the court.
She stated his those affected were under-privileged children who were participating in a summer program which he managed.
Ruben played a "candy game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel said, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to eat sweets "rapidly".
She stated to the judge the man had engaged in this activity with the children "for many years", and minors had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She stated Ruben had been able to explain this for many years as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had suspicions in July 2025.
The prosecutor added: "Recently" his family member had worries about the situation, with valid cause.
"They chose" to have a look in the individual's items."
The prosecutor stated objects including infant oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were located, and his family member notified the authorities about his worries.
She stated Ruben went on to conduct the "treat game" with six boys that night - that Saturday - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"The police had not responded by that time," she added.
The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was examining the police response of the situation.
The prosecutor explained the minors were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the family member called the authorities again.
She said the defendant then conducted the "treat game" in a space of five minors.
