A person who contaminated sweets with sedative and gave them to children at a youth camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two young males aged nine and 10.
The defendant was arrested after eight youngsters and one adult experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he was present at the courthouse on recently.
However, he disputed one particular crime he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The accused was remanded in custody ahead of a further hearing on November 28th.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, detailed Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She explained his victims were under-privileged children who were attending a summer program which he operated.
The man engaged in a "treat game" with the children, the prosecutor explained, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and request they to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the man had engaged in this activity with the young males "for many years", and youngsters had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She stated the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had worries in July 2025.
The legal representative continued: "Recently" his family member had suspicions about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They chose" to examine in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC stated materials including baby oil, ointment and injection devices were found, and his stepson notified the authorities about his worries.
She stated the defendant went on to play the "candy game" with six children that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the following morning.
"Authorities" had not responded by that time," she stated further.
The oversight body, the investigative body, had stated that it was examining law enforcement's management of the incident.
Mrs Prior said the minors were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the family member notified the police once more.
She said Ruben then conducted the "candy game" in a space of five minors.
