An individual who spiked treats with tranquilliser and distributed them to minors at a summer camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two children aged nine and ten years old.
The defendant was detained after eight minors and a grown-up experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he stood at the courthouse on recently.
However, he denied a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was against a young boy.
Ruben was held in detention before a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, detailed the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She stated his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a summer camp which he managed.
The defendant played a "sweet game" with the children, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and tell them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had played this game with the children "for many years", and minors had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She explained the man had been capable of justifying this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had suspicions in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "Recently" his family member had concerns about the activities, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to examine in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC said items including lubricant, Vaseline and medical needles were found, and his stepchild contacted the authorities about his suspicions.
She said the man proceeded to engage in the "sweet game" with six children that time - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"The police had not gone out by that time," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the incident.
The legal representative explained the minors were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the stepson notified the law enforcement a second time.
She stated Ruben then conducted the "sweet game" in a room of five children.
