A man who spiked candy with sleeping medication and provided them to youngsters at a summer program in the region has admitted sexual crimes against two children both between nine and ten.
The accused was detained after eight youngsters and an older person became sick at Stathern Lodge in July.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at the courthouse on Friday.
Yet, he disputed one particular crime he was facing, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was held in detention prior to a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, outlined Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She said his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a youth camp which he managed.
The defendant engaged in a "sweet game" with the children, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had conducted this practice with the children "for many years", and children had previously become sick the following morning.
She explained Ruben had been able to explain this repeatedly as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had worries in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "In the summer" his family member had suspicions about the activities, for good reason.
"They chose" to investigate in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC explained items including lubricant, ointment and medical needles were found, and his stepchild alerted the police about his concerns.
She explained the defendant went on to engage in the "candy game" with six children that night - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that point," she added.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was investigating the police response of the situation.
The prosecutor explained the children were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the family member contacted the authorities again.
She explained the defendant then conducted the "candy game" in a room of five youngsters.
