A person who laced treats with tranquilliser and distributed them to minors at a summer camp in the region has admitted sexual crimes against two boys who were nine and 10.
The accused was taken into custody after eight children and an older person fell ill at the location in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at the judicial center on recently.
Nevertheless, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was concerning a young boy.
The accused was kept in jail prior to a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, described the criminal behavior to the court.
She stated his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer program which he ran.
The man conducted a "candy game" with the children, the prosecutor stated, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She told the court the man had conducted this practice with the boys "for many years", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the next day.
She explained the man had been able to explain this repeatedly as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had worries in July 2025.
The prosecutor added: "Recently" his family member had suspicions about what was going on, justifiably.
"They chose" to investigate in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC stated objects including lubricant, Vaseline and medical needles were discovered, and his stepson alerted the police about his worries.
She said Ruben proceeded to play the "candy game" with six children that night - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"The police had not responded by that point," she added.
The oversight body, the investigative body, previously told that it was investigating the police response of the situation.
The prosecutor stated the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson notified the authorities again.
She said Ruben then engaged in the "candy game" in a area of five minors.
