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A person who spiked treats with sedative and distributed them to children at a summer camp in the area has admitted sexual crimes against two children both nine and ten years old.

The defendant was arrested after eight minors and one adult fell ill at the location in mid-summer.

The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the judicial center on the end of the week.

However, he denied one particular crime he was facing, which was against a nine-year-old child.

Ruben was remanded in custody prior to a subsequent court date on November 28th.

'Treat game'

The prosecutor, prosecuting, outlined the criminal behavior to the court.

She explained his targets were under-privileged children who were attending a summer program which he ran.

The defendant conducted a "treat game" with the minors, the legal counsel stated, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".

She informed the proceedings Ruben had engaged in this activity with the children "repeatedly", and youngsters had previously become sick the next day.

She stated the man had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had concerns in July 2025.

Mrs Prior KC stated further: "In the summer" his stepson had suspicions about the activities, for good reason.

"They resolved" to examine in the defendant's belongings."

The legal counsel stated materials including infant oil, ointment and syringes were located, and his stepson alerted the law enforcement about his suspicions.

She explained the man continued to conduct the "sweet game" with six youngsters that night - July 26th - and they were all ill the following morning.

"The police had not responded by that stage," she continued.

The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was examining law enforcement's management of the events.

The legal representative explained the minors were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the family member called the police a second time.

She explained the man then conducted the "candy game" in a room of five children.