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An individual who contaminated sweets with tranquilliser and distributed them to youngsters at a youth camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two young males who were between nine and ten.

The defendant was taken into custody after eight youngsters and a grown-up fell ill at the facility in the summer month.

The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the courthouse on the end of the week.

Nevertheless, he disputed one particular crime he was accused of, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.

The accused was kept in jail prior to a additional proceeding on late November.

'Treat game'

Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, outlined the criminal behavior to the court.

She stated his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a youth camp which he managed.

Ruben played a "candy game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".

She stated to the judge the defendant had played this game with the boys "for many years", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the following morning.

She explained Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had concerns in July 2025.

The legal representative stated further: "This year his family member had suspicions about the situation, with valid cause.

"They resolved" to examine in the man's possessions."

Mrs Prior KC stated objects including baby oil, petroleum jelly and injection devices were located, and his family member alerted the law enforcement about his concerns.

She stated Ruben proceeded to engage in the "treat game" with six children that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the next day.

"Authorities" had not responded by that point," she continued.

The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was investigating the police response of the situation.

The prosecutor stated the minors were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson contacted the authorities once more.

She explained the defendant then engaged in the "sweet game" in a room of five youngsters.