An individual who contaminated sweets with tranquilliser and provided them to youngsters at a summer program in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two young males both between nine and ten.
The defendant was arrested after eight youngsters and a grown-up fell ill at Stathern Lodge in July.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at the judicial center on Friday.
Nevertheless, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was held in detention prior to a further hearing on late November.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, described the criminal behavior to the court.
She stated his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer camp which he managed.
Ruben played a "treat game" with the children, the prosecutor stated, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge the man had played this game with the boys "repeatedly", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She explained the man had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had suspicions in July 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "Recently" his stepson had concerns about the situation, for good reason.
"They decided to investigate in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC explained items including infant oil, Vaseline and syringes were discovered, and his family member contacted the police about his concerns.
She stated the defendant continued to engage in the "candy game" with six boys that evening - that Saturday - and they were all ill the next day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that time," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the events.
The legal representative explained the children were struggling to walk due to being ill, so the family member contacted the police once more.
She said the man then engaged in the "sweet game" in a room of five minors.
