An individual who spiked treats with tranquilliser and distributed them to minors at a summer camp in the region has confessed to sexual offenses against two boys both nine and ten years old.
The defendant was detained after eight minors and a grown-up fell ill at Stathern Lodge in July.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at the courthouse on recently.
However, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
The accused was held in detention before a further hearing on 28 November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, outlined the criminal behavior to the court.
She explained his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a summer program which he operated.
The defendant engaged in a "candy 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 consume candy "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had conducted this practice with the young males "for many years", and youngsters had previously become sick the following morning.
She stated the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had worries in summer 2025.
The legal representative added: "In the summer" his stepchild had concerns about the activities, justifiably.
"They chose" to examine in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel stated materials including baby oil, ointment and syringes were located, and his stepson notified the law enforcement about his concerns.
She stated Ruben went on to conduct the "treat game" with six children that night - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"The police had not responded by that time," she stated further.
The oversight body, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was examining law enforcement's management of the incident.
The legal representative stated the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson contacted the police again.
She stated the man then engaged in the "treat game" in a room of five youngsters.
