An individual who spiked treats with sleeping medication and gave them to children at a summer camp in the region has confessed to sexual offenses against two young males who were nine and 10.
The accused was detained after eight youngsters and an older person experienced illness at the facility in the summer month.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at the courthouse on Friday.
Yet, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
The accused was remanded in custody before a subsequent court date on late November.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, handling the case, described the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She said his victims were under-privileged children who were staying at a summer camp which he operated.
Ruben conducted a "candy game" with the minors, the prosecutor explained, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were settling down and request they to ingest treats "rapidly".
She told the court the defendant had conducted this practice with the young males "for many years", and minors had previously become sick the next day.
She stated the man had been able to explain this over a long period as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had worries in July 2025.
The legal representative continued: "Recently" his family member had concerns about the situation, justifiably.
"They resolved" to examine in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC explained objects including baby oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were found, and his family member alerted the authorities about his concerns.
She explained the defendant went on to conduct the "treat game" with six children that evening - that Saturday - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that stage," she stated further.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, previously told that it was examining law enforcement's management of the incident.
The legal representative said the youngsters were struggling to walk due to being ill, so the family member contacted the authorities once more.
She explained Ruben then conducted the "sweet game" in a area of five minors.
