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An individual who spiked treats with tranquilliser and provided them to youngsters at a youth camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two children aged nine and 10.

The accused was taken into custody after eight minors and a grown-up became sick at Stathern Lodge in July.

The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at the courthouse on Friday.

Nevertheless, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was involving a nine-year-old child.

Ruben was kept in jail ahead of a subsequent court date on late November.

'Candy game'

The legal representative, presenting evidence, detailed the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.

She stated his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a summer program which he ran.

Ruben engaged in a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor explained, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to ingest treats "rapidly".

She told the court Ruben had engaged in this activity with the young males "over an extended period", and children had previously become sick the following morning.

She said the man had been capable of justifying this for many years as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had concerns in July 2025.

The legal representative added: "Recently" his stepchild had suspicions about the situation, with valid cause.

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

Mrs Prior KC said items including baby oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were located, and his family member notified the authorities about his concerns.

She stated the defendant proceeded to conduct the "treat game" with six boys that time - that Saturday - and they were all ill the subsequent day.

"Authorities" had not responded by that point," she added.

The oversight body, the police conduct office, previously told that it was examining the police response of the incident.

The legal representative stated the youngsters were struggling to walk due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson notified the law enforcement once more.

She said the man then conducted the "treat game" in a space of five children.