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An individual who laced sweets with sedative and gave them to minors at a summer program in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two boys both between nine and ten.

The defendant was taken into custody after eight youngsters and one adult became sick at the facility in the summer month.

The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at the judicial center on Friday.

However, he denied one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was involving a young boy.

The accused was remanded in custody prior to a further hearing on November 28th.

'Treat game'

The legal representative, prosecuting, detailed Ruben's offending to the court.

She said his targets were under-privileged children who were staying at a youth camp which he ran.

Ruben conducted a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor said, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".

She told the court Ruben had engaged in this activity with the boys "repeatedly", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the following morning.

She explained the man 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 legal representative added: "In the summer" his family member had concerns about what was going on, justifiably.

"They resolved" to investigate in the individual's items."

The legal counsel said objects including lubricant, petroleum jelly and medical needles were located, and his stepchild contacted the authorities about his worries.

She said the defendant went on to play the "sweet game" with six boys that night - that Saturday - and they were all sick the next day.

"The police had not arrived by that time," she added.

The police watchdog, the police conduct office, previously told that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the events.

Mrs Prior said the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so the stepson called the law enforcement again.

She explained Ruben then conducted the "treat game" in a area of five minors.