An individual who spiked sweets with sedative and provided them to minors at a summer camp in the area has confessed to sexual offences against two boys both nine and ten years old.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight youngsters and one adult fell ill at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at the courthouse on Friday.
Nevertheless, he disputed a single sexual charge he was facing, which was against a young boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody prior to a further hearing on 28 November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, described the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She explained his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a youth camp which he managed.
Ruben conducted a "sweet game" with the minors, the legal counsel said, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were settling down and tell them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the defendant had played this game with the children "for many years", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She said the defendant had been able to explain this for many years as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had concerns in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "This year his stepchild had worries about the situation, with valid cause.
"They decided to investigate in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor stated items including lubricant, ointment and syringes were located, and his stepchild notified the law enforcement about his worries.
She explained the man continued to play the "sweet game" with six children that time - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that stage," she continued.
The oversight body, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was examining law enforcement's management of the incident.
The prosecutor explained the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so the family member contacted the police a second time.
She stated the defendant then played the "treat game" in a room of five minors.
