An individual who spiked candy with tranquilliser and distributed them to minors at a summer camp in the region has confessed to sexual offences against two young males aged nine and 10.
The defendant was arrested after eight youngsters and a grown-up experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he stood at the courthouse on the end of the week.
Yet, he disputed one particular crime he was charged with, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was held in detention ahead of a further hearing on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, described Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She explained his targets were under-privileged children who were staying at a summer program which he managed.
The defendant played a "sweet game" with the children, the legal counsel explained, in which he would go into the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and tell them to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She told the court Ruben had conducted this practice with the boys "for many years", and children had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She explained the man had been able to explain this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had concerns in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "This year his family member had suspicions about the activities, for good reason.
"They resolved" to have a look in the individual's items."
The legal counsel explained items including baby oil, ointment and medical needles were located, and his family member contacted the police about his concerns.
She stated the defendant went on to play the "treat game" with six boys that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that stage," she continued.
The oversight body, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the incident.
Mrs Prior said the children were struggling to walk due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson called the police again.
She stated Ruben then engaged in the "sweet game" in a room of five minors.
