A person who contaminated treats with sleeping medication and gave them to children at a youth camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two boys aged between nine and ten.
The defendant was detained after eight minors and one adult fell ill at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at the judicial center on the end of the week.
Yet, he denied one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was remanded in custody before a further hearing on late November.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, described the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She explained his victims were under-privileged children who were participating in a youth camp which he ran.
The defendant conducted a "candy game" with the minors, the prosecutor explained, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to consume candy "rapidly".
She told the court Ruben had played this game with the children "for many years", and children had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She stated the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had concerns in July 2025.
The legal representative continued: "Recently" his family member had concerns about the activities, justifiably.
"They resolved" to examine in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC stated materials including infant oil, Vaseline and syringes were located, and his stepson notified the authorities about his suspicions.
She stated the defendant proceeded to play the "sweet game" with six boys that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that stage," she added.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, previously told that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the events.
The legal representative explained the minors were struggling to walk due to their condition, so the family member notified the police again.
She said the man then conducted the "sweet game" in a room of five minors.
