A man who spiked candy with tranquilliser and distributed them to youngsters at a youth camp in the area has admitted sexual crimes against two children both nine and 10.
The accused was detained after eight children and one adult experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in July.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the judicial center on Friday.
Yet, he disputed a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The accused was held in detention ahead of a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, handling the case, detailed Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She explained his targets were under-privileged children who were participating in a summer camp which he operated.
The defendant conducted a "treat game" with the children, Mrs Prior said, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to consume candy "rapidly".
She told the court Ruben had engaged in this activity with the children "for many years", and children had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She stated the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had suspicions in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "Recently" his stepchild had concerns about the situation, for good reason.
"They resolved" to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel said materials including baby oil, ointment and medical needles were found, and his stepchild contacted the police about his suspicions.
She explained the defendant proceeded to engage in the "sweet game" with six boys that time - that Saturday - and they were all ill the next day.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that time," she continued.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, had stated that it was reviewing the police response of the events.
The prosecutor stated the children were struggling to walk due to being ill, so the stepson called the authorities again.
She explained the man then conducted the "treat game" in a area of five children.
