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A person who spiked candy with sedative and distributed them to minors at a summer camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two young males who were between nine and ten.

The accused was arrested after eight minors and one adult became sick at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.

The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at the judicial center on the end of the week.

Nevertheless, he refused to admit one particular crime he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old child.

The defendant was remanded in custody prior to a subsequent court date on 28 November.

'Sweet game'

Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, outlined Ruben's offending to the court.

She explained his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer camp which he managed.

The defendant played a "sweet game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and request they to ingest treats "as fast as possible".

She stated to the judge the defendant had played this game with the young males "for many years", and children had previously fallen ill the next day.

She said the defendant had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had suspicions in summer 2025.

The prosecutor stated further: "Recently" his stepson had worries about what was going on, for good reason.

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

The legal counsel explained materials including infant oil, petroleum jelly and syringes were discovered, and his family member notified the police about his suspicions.

She explained the man went on to conduct the "sweet game" with six youngsters that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the next day.

"Authorities" had not arrived by that time," she continued.

The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was investigating the police response of the events.

The legal representative said the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the stepson notified the authorities once more.

She said the man then engaged in the "sweet game" in a area of five minors.