A person who spiked sweets with tranquilliser and distributed them to children at a youth camp in the region has admitted sexual crimes against two children aged nine and 10.
The accused was arrested after eight youngsters and a grown-up fell ill at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at the judicial center on recently.
Yet, he disputed one particular crime he was charged with, which was against a young boy.
The accused was remanded in custody ahead of a further hearing on November 28th.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, described Ruben's offending to the court.
She explained his targets were under-privileged children who were participating in a youth camp which he ran.
The defendant engaged in a "candy game" with the children, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and request they to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings the man had played this game with the children "repeatedly", and children had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She stated Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had worries in summer 2025.
The legal representative continued: "Recently" his family member had suspicions about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to have a look in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel said objects including infant oil, petroleum jelly and syringes were located, and his family member contacted the law enforcement about his worries.
She stated the defendant went on to conduct the "candy game" with six youngsters that time - that Saturday - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that time," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was reviewing the police response of the incident.
The legal representative explained the children were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson notified the authorities again.
She explained the defendant then engaged in the "sweet game" in a room of five children.
