A man who spiked sweets with tranquilliser and provided them to children at a youth camp in the area has admitted sexual crimes against two boys aged nine and 10.
The accused was taken into custody after eight children and a grown-up fell ill at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he stood at the courthouse on Friday.
Yet, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody prior to a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, outlined the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She said his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a youth camp which he managed.
Ruben conducted a "treat game" with the children, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and request they to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had engaged in this activity with the young males "over an extended period", and minors had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She explained Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had worries in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "In the summer" his stepson had suspicions about the activities, for good reason.
"They resolved" to have a look in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC said objects including lubricant, petroleum jelly and medical needles were discovered, and his family member contacted the police about his suspicions.
She explained the defendant went on to conduct the "sweet game" with six children that evening - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that point," she continued.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, had stated that it was reviewing the police response of the incident.
Mrs Prior explained the minors were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so the family member called the police again.
She said the man then engaged in the "treat game" in a room of five youngsters.
