A person who spiked candy with tranquilliser and distributed them to children at a summer camp in the region has confessed to sexual offenses against two children aged nine and ten years old.
The accused was arrested after eight youngsters and an older person became sick at the facility in July.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at the courthouse on recently.
Yet, he denied one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was remanded in custody ahead of a further hearing on late November.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, outlined the criminal behavior to the court.
She stated his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a youth camp which he managed.
The man played a "sweet game" with the minors, the prosecutor explained, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to consume candy "rapidly".
She told the court the man had engaged in this activity with the young males "repeatedly", and minors had previously become sick the following morning.
She said the defendant had been able to explain this repeatedly as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had suspicions in July 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "Recently" his stepchild had concerns about the situation, for good reason.
"They chose" to examine in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC said objects including baby oil, petroleum jelly and syringes were located, and his family member notified the law enforcement about his worries.
She explained the man went on to conduct the "sweet game" with six youngsters that night - that Saturday - and they were all ill the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that time," she added.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was examining law enforcement's management of the incident.
The legal representative stated the children were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson notified the police once more.
She stated the man then played the "candy game" in a room of five minors.
