An individual who spiked treats with sleeping medication and gave them to youngsters at a youth camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two young males aged nine and 10.
The accused was taken into custody after eight minors and an older person fell ill at the location in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the judicial center on Friday.
However, he refused to admit one particular crime he was facing, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was kept in jail prior to a additional proceeding on late November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, outlined the defendant's actions to the court.
She stated his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer camp which he operated.
The man conducted a "candy game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor stated, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and request they to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge Ruben had conducted this practice with the boys "for many years", and children had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She stated the defendant had been able to explain this over a long period as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had worries in summer 2025.
The legal representative added: "Recently" his stepson had suspicions about the situation, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to examine in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC stated objects including lubricant, Vaseline and medical needles were discovered, and his family member contacted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She stated the man proceeded to play the "candy game" with six boys that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the next day.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that time," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, previously told that it was investigating the police response of the events.
The prosecutor said the children were struggling to walk due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson contacted the police again.
She said the defendant then conducted the "candy game" in a room of five children.
