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A person who contaminated candy with tranquilliser and gave them to minors at a summer program in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two boys both between nine and ten.

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

The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at the courthouse on Friday.

Yet, he disputed a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.

Ruben was kept in jail prior to a further hearing on late November.

'Candy game'

Mary Prior KC, handling the case, outlined the defendant's actions to the court.

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

The man played a "candy game" with the minors, the prosecutor said, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to consume candy "as quickly as they can".

She stated to the judge the defendant had engaged in this activity with the children "for many years", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.

She explained the man had been able to explain this repeatedly as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had concerns in July 2025.

The prosecutor continued: "This year his stepchild had worries about what was going on, with valid cause.

"They decided to investigate in the man's possessions."

The prosecutor explained objects including infant oil, ointment and medical needles were located, and his stepson notified the authorities about his concerns.

She stated Ruben continued to engage in the "candy game" with six children that time - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.

"Authorities" had not arrived by that time," she continued.

The oversight body, the police conduct office, previously told that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the incident.

Mrs Prior stated the children were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the family member notified the law enforcement a second time.

She stated the defendant then conducted the "candy game" in a area of five youngsters.