An individual who laced candy with sedative and distributed them to minors at a summer camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two boys aged nine and 10.
The accused was arrested after eight children and a grown-up became sick at Stathern Lodge in July.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at the courthouse on Friday.
Yet, he disputed a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody ahead of a further hearing on 28 November.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, described Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She stated his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a summer program which he ran.
Ruben conducted a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor said, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were settling down and request they to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She told the court the man had conducted this practice with the young males "over an extended period", and minors had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She stated the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had suspicions in summer 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "This year his family member had suspicions about the activities, with valid cause.
"They decided to have a look in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor explained objects including baby oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were found, and his stepchild contacted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She said the man went on to engage in the "sweet game" with six children that evening - that Saturday - and they were all sick the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that point," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was reviewing the police response of the incident.
The prosecutor stated the children were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the family member contacted the law enforcement again.
She said the man then conducted the "treat game" in a area of five youngsters.