An individual who laced candy with tranquilliser and provided them to minors at a summer program in the region has admitted sexual offenses against two boys both between nine and ten.
The accused was detained after eight children and a grown-up became sick at the facility in July.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at the courthouse on Friday.
Yet, he disputed a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was kept in jail prior to a further hearing on 28 November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, described the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She stated his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a summer camp which he ran.
The defendant engaged in a "candy game" with the minors, Mrs Prior said, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and request they to eat sweets "rapidly".
She told the court the defendant had conducted this practice with the children "repeatedly", and children had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She stated the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had worries in July 2025.
The legal representative continued: "In the summer" his stepchild had worries about the situation, with valid cause.
"They chose" to examine in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel explained materials including baby oil, ointment and syringes were discovered, and his stepson notified the law enforcement about his worries.
She explained the man proceeded to conduct the "sweet game" with six children that night - that Saturday - and they were all sick the next day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that stage," she continued.
The oversight body, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the incident.
Mrs Prior explained the children were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so the family member contacted the police a second time.
She explained Ruben then played the "candy game" in a area of five youngsters.
