A man who spiked treats with tranquilliser and provided them to youngsters at a summer camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two children who were nine and 10.
The defendant was arrested after eight minors and a grown-up fell ill at Stathern Lodge in July.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he was present at the courthouse on the end of the week.
However, he refused to admit one particular crime he was facing, which was involving a young boy.
Ruben was held in detention before a further hearing on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, described Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She said his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a summer camp which he operated.
The man conducted a "candy game" with the children, the legal counsel explained, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to consume candy "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had conducted this practice with the children "repeatedly", and children had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She stated the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had suspicions in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "Recently" his stepson had suspicions about what was going on, justifiably.
"They decided to have a look in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC stated items including baby oil, Vaseline and syringes were located, and his stepson alerted the authorities about his suspicions.
She stated the defendant continued to conduct the "treat game" with six children that time - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"The police had not gone out by that stage," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was investigating the police response of the incident.
The prosecutor stated the minors were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson notified the authorities once more.
She stated the man then conducted the "treat game" in a space of five youngsters.
