A man who contaminated sweets with sedative and provided them to children at a youth camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two children who were nine and 10.
The accused was arrested after eight minors and a grown-up became sick at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the courthouse on recently.
Nevertheless, he disputed a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was kept in jail ahead of a further hearing on November 28th.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, outlined the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She said his targets were under-privileged children who were staying at a summer program which he managed.
The man engaged in a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel said, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were settling down and request they to eat sweets "rapidly".
She stated to the judge the man had conducted this practice with the boys "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously become sick the next day.
She stated Ruben had been capable of justifying this repeatedly 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 situation, for good reason.
"They chose" to investigate in the individual's items."
The prosecutor said materials including lubricant, Vaseline and medical needles were discovered, and his family member contacted the police about his concerns.
She stated the man proceeded to engage in the "treat game" with six boys that night - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that time," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, had stated that it was examining law enforcement's management of the events.
The legal representative explained the children were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the family member contacted the authorities again.
She stated the defendant then engaged in the "sweet game" in a room of five children.
