A person who spiked sweets with sleeping medication and distributed them to youngsters at a summer program in the region has admitted sexual offences against two boys both nine and 10.
The accused was taken into custody after eight youngsters and one adult became sick at Stathern Lodge in July.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at the courthouse on Friday.
Nevertheless, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
The accused was kept in jail before a further hearing on late November.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, described Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She said his targets were under-privileged children who were staying at a youth camp which he operated.
The man played a "sweet game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to consume candy "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had conducted this practice with the children "repeatedly", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the next day.
She said the defendant had been able to explain this repeatedly as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had worries in summer 2025.
The legal representative continued: "Recently" his stepson had suspicions about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel stated materials including lubricant, Vaseline and injection devices were discovered, and his stepson notified the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She explained Ruben continued to conduct the "treat game" with six boys that evening - that Saturday - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that time," she added.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, had stated that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the events.
The legal representative stated the minors were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson called the law enforcement again.
She said the man then conducted the "candy game" in a space of five youngsters.
