A man who spiked treats with tranquilliser and distributed them to youngsters at a youth camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two children aged between nine and ten.
The defendant was arrested after eight youngsters and one adult experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the judicial center on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he denied one particular crime he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was remanded in custody prior to a further hearing on 28 November.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, outlined the criminal behavior to the court.
She stated his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a summer program which he operated.
Ruben played a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor stated, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to consume candy "rapidly".
She stated to the judge the defendant had conducted this practice with the boys "repeatedly", and minors had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She explained the man had been able to explain this over a long period as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had suspicions in summer 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "This year his family member had worries about the activities, for good reason.
"They decided to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel stated items including lubricant, Vaseline and injection devices were found, and his stepson notified the police about his worries.
She stated Ruben continued to play the "sweet game" with six youngsters that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that point," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was investigating the police response of the situation.
The legal representative said the minors were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so the stepson called the police again.
She said the defendant then engaged in the "sweet game" in a space of five youngsters.
