Individual confesses to sexual offenses involving young males at youth camp
A man who laced sweets with tranquilliser and gave them to youngsters at a summer program in the area has admitted sexual offenses against two young males who were nine and 10.
The accused was arrested after eight children and an older person became sick at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the judicial center on the end of the week.
Yet, he disputed one particular crime he was accused of, which was against a young boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody ahead of a further hearing on 28 November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, described the defendant's actions to the court.
She stated his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a summer camp which he ran.
The defendant conducted a "sweet game" with the children, the prosecutor said, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge Ruben had played this game with the boys "repeatedly", and children had previously fallen ill the next day.
She explained Ruben had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had worries in recently.
The legal representative continued: "This year his family member had suspicions about the activities, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to have a look in the individual's items."
The prosecutor said materials including lubricant, Vaseline and syringes were located, and his stepson alerted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She stated the defendant went on to engage in the "candy game" with six boys that time - that Saturday - and they were all sick the following morning.
"Authorities" had not responded by that stage," she continued.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the incident.
Mrs Prior explained the children were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the stepson called the law enforcement once more.
She said Ruben then conducted the "candy game" in a area of five minors.
