An individual who laced candy with tranquilliser and provided them to minors at a youth camp in the area has admitted sexual offences against two children both between nine and ten.
The accused was arrested after eight minors and one adult experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at the courthouse on Friday.
However, he disputed a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was concerning a young boy.
The defendant was kept in jail ahead of a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, outlined Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She explained his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer program which he ran.
The man conducted a "treat game" with the children, the prosecutor said, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and ask them to consume candy "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had engaged in this activity with the children "for many years", and youngsters had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She said Ruben had been capable of justifying this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had worries in July 2025.
The legal representative added: "Recently" his stepchild had concerns about the activities, justifiably.
"They chose" to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel explained objects including baby oil, Vaseline and medical needles were found, and his stepchild contacted the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She said Ruben proceeded to conduct the "treat game" with six youngsters that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"The police had not responded by that stage," she continued.
The oversight body, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was reviewing the police response of the incident.
The prosecutor explained the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the stepson notified the law enforcement again.
She stated the defendant then played the "treat game" in a area of five minors.
