A man who spiked sweets with sedative and gave them to youngsters at a summer camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two children both nine and 10.
The accused was taken into custody after eight youngsters and an older person became sick at the location in July.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he stood at the courthouse on Friday.
Nevertheless, he disputed a single sexual charge he was facing, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was held in detention prior to a further hearing on late November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, outlined Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She stated his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a youth camp which he operated.
The defendant played a "sweet game" with the minors, the legal counsel said, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the man had conducted this practice with the young males "over an extended period", and children had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She stated Ruben had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had worries in July 2025.
The legal representative added: "Recently" his stepchild had concerns about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to examine in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel explained items including baby oil, petroleum jelly and injection devices were discovered, and his stepchild contacted the law enforcement about his worries.
She said Ruben proceeded to play the "sweet game" with six children that evening - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that point," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, previously told that it was examining the police response of the situation.
The legal representative stated the minors were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson called the authorities a second time.
She explained the defendant then played the "sweet game" in a space of five youngsters.
