A person who spiked treats with sedative and distributed them to children at a summer camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two young males who were between nine and ten.
The defendant was arrested after eight minors and an older person fell ill at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he was present at the courthouse on recently.
Yet, he disputed one particular crime he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was remanded in custody prior to a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, outlined the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She stated his targets were under-privileged children who were attending a summer camp which he operated.
The man engaged in a "treat game" with the minors, Mrs Prior said, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and request they to consume candy "rapidly".
She stated to the judge Ruben had engaged in this activity with the young males "over an extended period", and minors had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She said Ruben had been able to explain this for many years as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had suspicions in summer 2025.
The legal representative continued: "In the summer" his stepchild had worries about what was going on, justifiably.
"They chose" to investigate in the individual's items."
The prosecutor said objects including infant oil, ointment and syringes were discovered, and his stepchild notified the authorities about his concerns.
She stated Ruben went on to play the "sweet game" with six boys that time - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that time," she stated further.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was investigating the police response of the incident.
Mrs Prior said the children were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the stepson called the police again.
She stated the man then engaged in the "sweet game" in a room of five minors.
