An individual who laced sweets with tranquilliser and provided them to children at a summer program in the region has admitted sexual offences against two young males aged nine and ten years old.
The accused was arrested after eight minors and a grown-up became sick at the facility in July.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at the judicial center on the end of the week.
Yet, he denied one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
The accused was remanded in custody ahead of a additional proceeding on late November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, outlined the criminal behavior to the court.
She stated his victims were under-privileged children who were attending a summer camp which he managed.
Ruben played a "treat game" with the children, the prosecutor said, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings the man had engaged in this activity with the children "for many years", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She stated the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had concerns in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "Recently" his stepchild had concerns about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC explained materials including infant oil, Vaseline and syringes were located, and his stepchild notified the authorities about his worries.
She stated Ruben proceeded to play the "treat game" with six youngsters that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that point," she added.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the events.
Mrs Prior said the children were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the family member contacted the authorities a second time.
She stated the defendant then played the "candy game" in a space of five children.
