An individual who contaminated sweets with sedative and provided them to youngsters at a youth camp in the area has admitted sexual offences against two children aged between nine and ten.
The defendant was arrested after eight children and a grown-up experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in July.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the judicial center on Friday.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was held in detention before a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, outlined the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She explained his targets were under-privileged children who were participating in a youth camp which he ran.
The man conducted a "treat game" with the minors, the prosecutor explained, in which he would go into the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings the man had played this game with the young males "for many years", and minors had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She stated the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had worries in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "This year his family member had concerns about the situation, justifiably.
"They decided to investigate in the individual's items."
The prosecutor said items including infant oil, petroleum jelly and syringes were discovered, and his family member contacted the authorities about his concerns.
She stated Ruben went on to play the "candy game" with six boys that night - that Saturday - and they were all sick the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that time," she added.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, previously told that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the events.
The legal representative stated the minors were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so the family member notified the authorities once more.
She explained Ruben then played the "treat game" in a area of five children.
