An individual who spiked treats with sleeping medication and provided them to minors at a summer program in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two young males aged between nine and ten.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight children and one adult became sick at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at the courthouse on the end of the week.
Yet, he disputed one particular crime he was facing, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody ahead of a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, detailed Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She explained his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a youth camp which he managed.
The man played a "sweet game" with the children, the prosecutor said, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and request they to ingest treats "rapidly".
She stated to the judge the defendant had played this game with the boys "for many years", and children had previously become sick the next day.
She said the defendant had been able to explain this over a long period as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had concerns in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "In the summer" his family member had concerns about what was going on, justifiably.
"They chose" to investigate in the individual's items."
The prosecutor explained items including lubricant, Vaseline and medical needles were discovered, and his family member contacted the police about his worries.
She stated the man continued to conduct the "candy game" with six boys that time - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that point," she continued.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was investigating the police response of the incident.
Mrs Prior said the minors were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson contacted the law enforcement again.
She explained the man then played the "candy game" in a space of five minors.
