A man who contaminated treats with sleeping medication and provided them to youngsters at a youth camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two boys both nine and 10.
The accused was detained after eight minors and a grown-up became sick at the facility in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the judicial center on the end of the week.
However, 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 prior to a subsequent court date on late November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, described Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She explained his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a summer camp which he managed.
The man engaged in a "candy game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor explained, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and request they to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She told the court the defendant had played this game with the children "repeatedly", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She said the man had been able to explain this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had worries in summer 2025.
The legal representative added: "This year his stepson had concerns about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to have a look in the individual's items."
The legal counsel explained items including baby oil, petroleum jelly and injection devices were located, and his stepchild alerted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She explained the man went on to conduct the "sweet game" with six boys that evening - that Saturday - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that time," she added.
The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was examining the police response of the incident.
Mrs Prior stated the minors were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson notified the authorities a second time.
She said the man then engaged in the "sweet game" in a space of five children.
