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An individual who spiked candy with tranquilliser and distributed them to youngsters at a summer program in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two boys who were nine and 10.

The defendant was taken into custody after eight minors and a grown-up experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in July.

The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he stood at the judicial center on the end of the week.

Yet, he denied one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.

The defendant was remanded in custody prior to a further hearing on late November.

'Sweet game'

The legal representative, presenting evidence, detailed the criminal behavior to the court.

She explained his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a summer program which he managed.

Ruben conducted a "treat game" with the minors, the prosecutor explained, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".

She stated to the judge the defendant had conducted this practice with the boys "repeatedly", and children had previously fallen ill the following morning.

She stated Ruben had been capable of justifying this for many years as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had worries in July 2025.

The prosecutor stated further: "This year his stepson had suspicions about the activities, for good reason.

"They decided to investigate in the individual's items."

Mrs Prior KC stated items including baby oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were located, and his stepchild alerted the law enforcement about his suspicions.

She said the defendant continued to conduct the "candy game" with six children that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the next day.

"The police had not gone out by that stage," she added.

The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was examining the police response of the events.

The legal representative said the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson contacted the authorities a second time.

She stated Ruben then conducted the "treat game" in a area of five youngsters.