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A man who spiked sweets with tranquilliser and distributed them to minors at a summer camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two young males both nine and ten years old.

The accused was detained after eight minors and an older person experienced illness at the facility in the summer month.

The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at the courthouse on Friday.

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

Ruben was remanded in custody before a additional proceeding on November 28th.

'Sweet game'

The legal representative, prosecuting, described Ruben's offending to the judicial body.

She explained his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a youth camp which he ran.

The defendant played a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel explained, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to eat sweets "rapidly".

She told the court the defendant had conducted this practice with the young males "for many years", and minors had previously fallen ill the following morning.

She stated the man had been able to explain this over a long period as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had suspicions in summer 2025.

The prosecutor added: "This year his stepchild had suspicions about the activities, with valid cause.

"They decided to examine in the individual's items."

The prosecutor stated items including lubricant, petroleum jelly and injection devices were discovered, and his stepson alerted the law enforcement about his suspicions.

She explained the man continued to conduct the "treat game" with six children that evening - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the next day.

"Law enforcement" had not responded by that stage," she continued.

The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was investigating the police response of the incident.

The legal representative explained the minors were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so the stepson contacted the police once more.

She said Ruben then conducted the "sweet game" in a area of five youngsters.