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A person who laced candy with tranquilliser and provided them to minors at a summer program in the region has admitted sexual crimes against two young males both nine and ten years old.

The accused was arrested after eight minors and a grown-up fell ill at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.

The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he stood at the judicial center on recently.

Nevertheless, he refused to admit one particular crime he was accused of, which was concerning a young boy.

The accused was remanded in custody before a additional proceeding on late November.

'Treat game'

The legal representative, prosecuting, described Ruben's offending to the court.

She stated his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a summer camp which he ran.

Ruben conducted a "candy game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to consume candy "as fast as possible".

She told the court the man had engaged in this activity with the boys "for many years", and children had previously become sick the next day.

She explained Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had concerns in July 2025.

The legal representative stated further: "In the summer" his stepson had worries about the activities, with valid cause.

"They decided to investigate in the individual's items."

Mrs Prior KC stated items including lubricant, Vaseline and medical needles were discovered, and his stepson notified the law enforcement about his concerns.

She stated Ruben continued to conduct the "sweet game" with six youngsters that night - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.

"The police had not responded by that point," she added.

The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the events.

Mrs Prior said the minors were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson notified the law enforcement once more.

She stated the man then conducted the "candy game" in a space of five youngsters.