A person who laced treats with sedative and distributed them to children at a youth camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two young males aged nine and 10.
The defendant was arrested after eight minors and one adult fell ill at the facility in July.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he stood at the judicial center on the end of the week.
However, he refused to admit one particular crime he was charged with, which was against a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was held in detention before a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, described the defendant's actions to the court.
She explained his those affected were under-privileged children who were attending a summer camp which he operated.
The defendant engaged in a "treat game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel stated, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She told the court the man had played this game with the children "over an extended period", and children had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She explained the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had concerns in July 2025.
The legal representative continued: "Recently" his stepchild had concerns about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They decided to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel said materials including lubricant, ointment and medical needles were found, and his stepson notified the police about his concerns.
She said the man proceeded to engage in the "sweet game" with six children that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that stage," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, had stated that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the situation.
Mrs Prior stated the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the stepson contacted the authorities a second time.
She stated the defendant then conducted the "candy game" in a room of five children.
