A man who laced candy with sleeping medication and distributed them to minors at a summer program in the region has admitted sexual offences against two young males who were nine and ten years old.
The defendant was detained after eight youngsters and a grown-up experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in July.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he stood at the courthouse on Friday.
However, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was involving a young boy.
The accused was remanded in custody prior to a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, outlined the defendant's actions to the court.
She stated his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer camp which he ran.
The man conducted a "candy game" with the children, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She told the court the defendant had played this game with the boys "for many years", and children had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She stated the defendant had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had concerns in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "This year his stepchild had concerns about the activities, for good reason.
"They resolved" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC stated objects including baby oil, ointment and syringes were found, and his family member notified the authorities about his worries.
She explained Ruben went on to play the "treat game" with six boys that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that time," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, had stated that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the incident.
The prosecutor said the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the family member notified the police again.
She said Ruben then played the "treat game" in a space of five children.
