A man who laced treats with tranquilliser and distributed them to children at a summer camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two boys who were nine and ten years old.
The accused was detained after eight minors and an older person became sick at the facility in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at the courthouse on recently.
Yet, he denied a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody ahead of a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, described the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She stated his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer camp which he operated.
The man conducted a "candy game" with the children, the prosecutor explained, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to eat sweets "rapidly".
She told the court the defendant had played this game with the young males "repeatedly", and children had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She stated the defendant had been capable of justifying this for many years as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had concerns in summer 2025.
The legal representative added: "In the summer" his stepson had worries about what was going on, justifiably.
"They decided to investigate in the individual's items."
The legal counsel explained materials including baby oil, Vaseline and syringes were located, and his family member contacted the police about his suspicions.
She explained Ruben went on to play the "sweet game" with six boys that evening - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that stage," she stated further.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, previously told that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the incident.
The legal representative said the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson notified the authorities again.
She said the defendant then played the "treat game" in a area of five youngsters.
