An individual who spiked sweets with sedative and distributed them to minors at a summer camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two boys both nine and 10.
The accused was taken into custody after eight children and a grown-up became sick at Stathern Lodge in July.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he stood at the courthouse on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit one particular crime he was charged with, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was remanded in custody prior to a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, detailed Ruben's offending to the court.
She said his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a youth camp which he managed.
The man engaged in a "treat game" with the children, Mrs Prior said, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and request they to eat sweets "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had conducted this practice with the young males "repeatedly", and minors had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She said the man had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had suspicions in summer 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "Recently" his stepchild had concerns about the situation, justifiably.
"They decided to investigate in the individual's items."
The prosecutor said objects including infant oil, ointment and syringes were discovered, and his stepson notified the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She explained the defendant proceeded to conduct the "treat game" with six boys that evening - that Saturday - and they were all sick the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that point," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, had stated that it was investigating the police response of the events.
Mrs Prior stated the minors were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the family member notified the police once more.
She stated Ruben then played the "sweet game" in a area of five youngsters.
