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A man who spiked candy with tranquilliser and distributed them to children at a summer camp in the area has admitted sexual offences against two young males both nine and ten years old.

The defendant was detained after eight children and one adult became sick at the location in the summer month.

The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at the courthouse on recently.

However, he refused to admit one particular crime he was facing, which was against a young boy.

Ruben was held in detention ahead of a subsequent court date on late November.

'Treat game'

The prosecutor, handling the case, described the defendant's actions to the court.

She stated his those affected were under-privileged children who were staying at a summer camp which he ran.

The defendant played a "sweet game" with the children, the legal counsel said, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and ask them to consume candy "as fast as possible".

She stated to the judge Ruben had played this game with the young males "for many years", and minors had previously become sick the next day.

She explained the man had been able to explain this over a long period as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had concerns in July 2025.

The prosecutor stated further: "This year his stepchild had worries about the situation, with valid cause.

"They resolved" to have a look in the individual's items."

Mrs Prior KC explained materials including lubricant, ointment and injection devices were discovered, and his stepson alerted the police about his suspicions.

She said the man continued to engage in the "sweet game" with six children that evening - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.

"Authorities" had not arrived by that time," she stated further.

The regulatory agency, the investigative body, previously told that it was reviewing the police response of the situation.

Mrs Prior stated the children were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so the family member notified the police again.

She explained the man then conducted the "sweet game" in a space of five minors.