A person who spiked sweets with tranquilliser and provided them to minors at a summer camp in the region has admitted sexual crimes against two boys who were nine and ten years old.
The defendant was arrested after eight children and one adult became sick at the location in July.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the judicial center on Friday.
However, he disputed a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was held in detention ahead of a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, detailed Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She said his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a youth camp which he managed.
The man conducted a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor explained, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and request they to ingest treats "rapidly".
She told the court the man had engaged in this activity with the young males "over an extended period", and children had previously fallen ill the next day.
She said the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had concerns in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "Recently" his stepchild had worries about what was going on, justifiably.
"They decided to examine in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor said objects including lubricant, petroleum jelly and syringes were discovered, and his stepchild alerted the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She said the man continued to engage in the "sweet game" with six children that night - July 26th - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"The police had not arrived by that point," she added.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, previously told that it was investigating the police response of the events.
The prosecutor stated the children were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson contacted the authorities a second time.
She said the defendant then played the "treat game" in a area of five youngsters.
