A person who spiked candy with sleeping medication and distributed them to youngsters at a youth camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two boys both between nine and ten.
The accused was arrested after eight minors and a grown-up experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in July.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he stood at the judicial center on recently.
Nevertheless, he disputed a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was concerning a young boy.
The accused was held in detention ahead of a further hearing on November 28th.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, handling the case, detailed the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She explained his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer program which he operated.
The defendant engaged in a "treat game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior said, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had engaged in this activity with the young males "over an extended period", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She stated Ruben had been capable of justifying this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had concerns in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "Recently" his stepchild had concerns about what was going on, for good reason.
"They decided to investigate in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor said items including baby oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were found, and his stepchild contacted the police about his concerns.
She said the man continued to engage in the "candy game" with six children that evening - July 26th - and they were all ill the following morning.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that stage," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the incident.
The legal representative said the children were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so the family member notified the law enforcement once more.
She stated the defendant then played the "candy game" in a space of five minors.
