A person who laced candy with sleeping medication and gave 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 accused was taken into custody after eight children and one adult became sick at Stathern Lodge in July.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the courthouse on Friday.
However, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was against a young boy.
The accused was held in detention before a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, described the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She explained his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a summer camp which he managed.
The man played a "candy game" with the children, the legal counsel stated, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and tell them to ingest treats "rapidly".
She stated to the judge the man had engaged in this activity with the children "over an extended period", and children had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She stated Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had worries in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "This year his stepson had suspicions about the activities, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to examine in the individual's items."
The legal counsel explained objects including baby oil, ointment and injection devices were discovered, and his stepchild notified the police about his suspicions.
She stated the defendant proceeded to engage in the "treat game" with six children that time - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that time," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, previously told that it was examining law enforcement's management of the events.
The legal representative explained the minors were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so the family member notified the authorities once more.
She explained the man then played the "treat game" in a area of five youngsters.
