An individual who laced treats with sedative and provided them to minors at a summer program in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two young males who were nine and 10.
The accused was arrested after eight children and one adult fell ill at Stathern Lodge in July.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he stood at the judicial center on Friday.
However, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was remanded in custody ahead of a further hearing on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, described Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She said his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a youth camp which he managed.
The man played a "candy game" with the minors, the prosecutor explained, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the man had engaged in this activity with the boys "over an extended period", and children had previously fallen ill the next day.
She said the man had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had suspicions in July 2025.
The legal representative added: "Recently" his stepchild had worries about the situation, with valid cause.
"They decided to have a look in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel said objects including infant oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were found, and his stepchild alerted the police about his worries.
She stated the man proceeded to engage in the "candy game" with six youngsters that time - that Saturday - and they were all sick the following morning.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that point," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, had stated that it was examining the police response of the events.
The prosecutor stated the minors were struggling to walk due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson notified the authorities a second time.
She stated Ruben then conducted the "candy game" in a area of five children.
