An individual who laced sweets with tranquilliser and distributed them to minors at a summer program in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two young males who were nine and 10.
The defendant was arrested after eight children and a grown-up experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in July.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at the courthouse on Friday.
However, he denied a single sexual charge he was facing, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was held in detention before a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, described the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She explained his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a summer camp which he operated.
The defendant engaged in a "sweet game" with the children, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would go into the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She told the court the defendant had played this game with the young males "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She said Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had suspicions in July 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "In the summer" his stepson had concerns about the activities, justifiably.
"They resolved" to examine in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel stated materials including baby oil, petroleum jelly and injection devices were found, and his stepson notified the authorities about his concerns.
She said the man proceeded to engage in the "candy game" with six youngsters that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Authorities" had not responded by that stage," she continued.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, previously told that it was examining the police response of the events.
The legal representative stated the children were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson called the police once more.
She explained the man then played the "candy game" in a room of five children.
