A man who laced treats with sleeping medication and distributed them to youngsters at a summer camp in the region has admitted sexual offenses against two young males aged nine and ten years old.
The accused was taken into custody after eight minors and a grown-up experienced illness at the facility in July.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the courthouse on recently.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit one particular crime he was facing, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The accused was kept in jail prior to a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, outlined the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She stated his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a youth camp which he ran.
Ruben played a "sweet game" with the children, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the defendant had played this game with the children "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously become sick the following morning.
She stated the man had been capable of justifying this for many years as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had suspicions in summer 2025.
The legal representative continued: "In the summer" his stepson had concerns about what was going on, for good reason.
"They resolved" to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC stated items including lubricant, petroleum jelly and injection devices were found, and his stepchild contacted the authorities about his suspicions.
She said the man went on to conduct the "treat game" with six youngsters that night - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"The police had not arrived by that point," she added.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was examining law enforcement's management of the situation.
Mrs Prior explained the youngsters were struggling to walk due to being ill, so the stepson notified the police a second time.
She stated Ruben then engaged in the "candy game" in a room of five children.
