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A man who laced sweets with tranquilliser and gave them to youngsters at a summer camp in the region has confessed to sexual crimes against two children both between nine and ten.

The accused was taken into custody after eight minors and one adult became sick at Stathern Lodge in July.

The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he stood at the courthouse on Friday.

Nevertheless, he disputed one particular crime he was charged with, which was involving a nine-year-old child.

The accused was kept in jail prior to a additional proceeding on 28 November.

'Sweet game'

The legal representative, presenting evidence, outlined Ruben's offending to the judicial body.

She explained his targets were under-privileged children who were attending a summer camp which he managed.

The defendant played a "candy game" with the minors, the prosecutor explained, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to ingest treats "rapidly".

She stated to the judge the defendant had engaged in this activity with the children "for many years", and minors had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.

She stated Ruben had been able to explain this over a long period as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had suspicions in July 2025.

The legal representative stated further: "In the summer" his family member had suspicions about what was going on, justifiably.

"They chose" to investigate in the man's possessions."

The prosecutor said items including lubricant, petroleum jelly and syringes were discovered, and his family member notified the police about his concerns.

She explained Ruben went on to engage in the "candy game" with six children that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the subsequent day.

"The police had not responded by that stage," she continued.

The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, previously told that it was examining the police response of the events.

Mrs Prior said the youngsters were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so the family member notified the authorities once more.

She explained the defendant then engaged in the "treat game" in a room of five youngsters.