A man who contaminated sweets with tranquilliser and provided them to children at a youth camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two children who were nine and ten years old.
The accused was taken into custody after eight minors and a grown-up experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in July.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at the judicial center on the end of the week.
Yet, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was kept in jail prior to a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, detailed the defendant's actions to the court.
She explained his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a summer camp which he operated.
The man engaged in a "sweet game" with the minors, the prosecutor stated, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and request they to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She told the court Ruben had engaged in this activity with the young males "repeatedly", and minors had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She explained the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had worries in summer 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "Recently" his stepson had concerns about the activities, with valid cause.
"They chose" to examine in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC stated materials including infant oil, petroleum jelly and injection devices were found, and his family member notified the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She stated the defendant continued to play the "treat game" with six children that evening - that Saturday - and they were all ill the following morning.
"The police had not responded by that point," she continued.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, previously told that it was examining law enforcement's management of the situation.
The prosecutor explained the minors were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the stepson called the police again.
She stated Ruben then engaged in the "treat game" in a space of five minors.
