A man who laced candy with sleeping medication and gave them to youngsters at a summer camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two boys who were nine and ten years old.
The accused was detained after eight children and an older person became sick at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The senior citizen, 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.
Nevertheless, he disputed one particular crime he was accused of, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was remanded in custody prior to a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, described Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She explained his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a youth camp which he managed.
The man played a "treat game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior said, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and tell them to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings the man had conducted this practice with the boys "repeatedly", and minors had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She explained the man had been able to explain this over a long period as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had suspicions in summer 2025.
The legal representative continued: "Recently" his stepson had worries about what was going on, for good reason.
"They decided to have a look in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC explained objects including baby oil, petroleum jelly and injection devices were located, and his family member notified the authorities about his concerns.
She explained the defendant went on to engage in the "treat game" with six boys that time - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"The police had not responded by that time," she added.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was reviewing the police response of the incident.
The prosecutor stated the minors were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the stepson notified the authorities once more.
She explained the defendant then engaged in the "sweet game" in a space of five youngsters.
