A person who spiked sweets with tranquilliser and provided them to minors at a summer program in the region has confessed to sexual crimes against two children both nine and ten years old.
The defendant was arrested after eight youngsters and an older person experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the judicial center on Friday.
Nevertheless, he denied a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was kept in jail ahead of a further hearing on late November.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, detailed Ruben's offending to the court.
She stated his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a youth camp which he ran.
Ruben played a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel explained, in which he would go into the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She told the court the defendant had conducted this practice with the children "over an extended period", and children had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She stated the man had been able to explain this over a long period as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had concerns in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "In the summer" his stepchild had suspicions about what was going on, for good reason.
"They chose" to examine in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC stated materials including infant oil, Vaseline and injection devices were discovered, and his family member alerted the authorities about his concerns.
She explained Ruben continued to conduct the "treat game" with six youngsters that evening - July 26th - and they were all sick the next day.
"The police had not responded by that point," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was examining the police response of the situation.
The prosecutor explained the children were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson notified the law enforcement once more.
She stated Ruben then conducted the "treat game" in a space of five minors.
