A person who spiked sweets with tranquilliser and gave them to minors at a summer program in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two boys who were between nine and ten.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight youngsters and an older person became sick at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the courthouse on recently.
Yet, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was concerning a young boy.
The accused was kept in jail before a further hearing on November 28th.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, detailed Ruben's offending to the court.
She said his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a youth camp which he operated.
Ruben conducted a "sweet game" with the minors, the prosecutor explained, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the man had played this game with the young males "over an extended period", and children had previously fallen ill the next day.
She explained Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had concerns in July 2025.
The prosecutor added: "This year his family member had suspicions about the situation, for good reason.
"They decided to have a look in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel said materials including infant oil, ointment and syringes were found, and his stepson notified the police about his suspicions.
She explained the man continued to conduct the "treat game" with six children that time - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"The police had not gone out by that time," she continued.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, had stated that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the incident.
The legal representative explained the minors were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson called the authorities a second time.
She stated Ruben then engaged in the "sweet game" in a space of five children.
