A man who spiked sweets with sedative and provided them to youngsters at a summer camp in the region has admitted sexual offences against two children both nine and ten years old.
The accused was arrested after eight youngsters and an older person fell ill at Stathern Lodge in July.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at the judicial center on recently.
However, he refused to admit one particular crime he was accused of, which was involving a young boy.
The accused was remanded in custody ahead of a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, detailed the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She explained his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer program which he managed.
The defendant played a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor stated, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and tell them to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had conducted this practice with the young males "repeatedly", and minors had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She explained Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had suspicions in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "In the summer" his family member had concerns about the activities, with valid cause.
"They chose" to investigate in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor said items including lubricant, Vaseline and medical needles were found, and his stepson notified the authorities about his worries.
She stated Ruben continued to play the "sweet game" with six boys that night - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"The police had not gone out by that time," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was examining law enforcement's management of the situation.
Mrs Prior stated the minors were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson notified the law enforcement a second time.
She explained the defendant then engaged in the "candy game" in a area of five minors.
