A person who laced candy with sleeping medication and distributed them to minors at a summer program in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two boys who were between nine and ten.
The defendant was arrested after eight minors and one adult became sick at Stathern Lodge in July.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the judicial center on recently.
However, he refused to admit one particular crime he was accused of, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was held in detention before a further hearing on late November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, detailed Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She explained his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a summer program which he operated.
The man engaged in a "sweet game" with the children, the prosecutor stated, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and ask them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She told the court Ruben had played this game with the boys "repeatedly", and youngsters had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She stated Ruben had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had concerns in summer 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "This year his stepson had suspicions about the situation, with valid cause.
"They chose" to have a look in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC said objects including baby oil, ointment and syringes were found, and his stepson notified the police about his suspicions.
She stated Ruben continued to engage in the "sweet game" with six children that night - July 26th - and they were all ill 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 examining law enforcement's management of the incident.
The prosecutor stated the minors were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson contacted the law enforcement again.
She stated Ruben then conducted the "candy game" in a room of five children.
