A person who spiked sweets with sleeping medication and distributed them to minors at a summer program in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two boys both nine and ten years old.
The defendant was arrested after eight minors and one adult experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at the courthouse on the end of the week.
Yet, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was against a young boy.
The accused was held in detention before a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, described the criminal behavior to the court.
She stated his targets were under-privileged children who were participating in a youth camp which he operated.
The man engaged in a "candy game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor stated, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and request they to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the defendant had conducted this practice with the boys "for many years", and youngsters had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She said Ruben had been capable of justifying this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had worries in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "This year his family member had worries about the activities, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to have a look in the individual's items."
The prosecutor stated materials including infant oil, ointment and injection devices were located, and his stepson notified the law enforcement about his worries.
She explained the man continued to engage in the "candy game" with six boys that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the following morning.
"The police had not gone out by that point," she added.
The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was examining the police response of the situation.
The prosecutor explained the minors were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so the stepson notified the authorities a second time.
She stated Ruben then engaged in the "candy game" in a area of five youngsters.
