A man who spiked sweets with tranquilliser and provided them to minors at a summer camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two children who were between nine and ten.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight minors and a grown-up fell ill at the facility in July.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he stood at the judicial center on recently.
Yet, he disputed a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was concerning a young boy.
The accused was held in detention before a further hearing on 28 November.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, detailed Ruben's offending to the court.
She said his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer camp which he managed.
Ruben played a "treat game" with the children, the prosecutor explained, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to eat sweets "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings the man had played this game with the children "over an extended period", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She explained the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had worries in July 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "This year his family member had worries about what was going on, justifiably.
"They decided to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC said materials including baby oil, petroleum jelly and injection devices were located, and his family member notified the law enforcement about his concerns.
She stated the man went on to play the "treat game" with six boys that evening - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that point," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, previously told that it was examining the police response of the incident.
Mrs Prior said the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson notified the law enforcement once more.
She explained Ruben then played the "treat game" in a area of five minors.
