An individual who contaminated treats with sleeping medication and distributed them to youngsters at a summer program in the region has confessed to sexual crimes against two young males aged between nine and ten.
The defendant was arrested after eight children and one adult became sick at Stathern Lodge in July.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he was present at the courthouse on Friday.
Yet, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was kept in jail before a additional proceeding on late November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, detailed Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She stated his targets were under-privileged children who were participating in a youth camp which he ran.
Ruben engaged in a "candy game" with the children, the prosecutor stated, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge Ruben had played this game with the young males "over an extended period", and minors had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She explained Ruben had been able to explain this for many years as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had concerns in July 2025.
The legal representative continued: "Recently" his stepchild had suspicions about what was going on, for good reason.
"They resolved" to have a look in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel stated objects including infant oil, ointment and injection devices were located, and his stepson alerted the police about his suspicions.
She explained Ruben continued to engage in the "candy game" with six youngsters that evening - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that point," she added.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was investigating the police response of the incident.
Mrs Prior said the children were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson notified the authorities again.
She explained Ruben then conducted the "treat game" in a room of five minors.
