A person who contaminated treats with tranquilliser and gave them to children at a summer camp in the area has admitted sexual offences against two boys both nine and ten years old.
The accused was detained after eight children and a grown-up experienced illness at the facility in mid-summer.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at the courthouse on the end of the week.
However, he denied one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was kept in jail ahead of a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, detailed the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She stated his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a youth camp which he operated.
The defendant conducted a "sweet game" with the children, the prosecutor said, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and request they to consume candy "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had conducted this practice with the young males "for many years", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the next day.
She explained the defendant had been able to explain this for many years as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had concerns in July 2025.
The prosecutor added: "In the summer" his stepchild had suspicions about the situation, with valid cause.
"They decided to examine in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor explained materials including lubricant, ointment and syringes were discovered, and his family member notified the authorities about his suspicions.
She explained Ruben went on to play the "candy game" with six boys that evening - that Saturday - and they were all sick the next day.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that stage," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was examining law enforcement's management of the situation.
The prosecutor said the children were struggling to walk due to their condition, so the stepson called the authorities once more.
She stated the man then played the "sweet game" in a area of five youngsters.
