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An individual who laced treats with sedative and provided them to children at a summer program in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two children who were between nine and ten.

The defendant was detained after eight minors and a grown-up became sick at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.

The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he stood at the courthouse on the end of the week.

However, he denied one particular crime he was facing, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.

Ruben was held in detention prior to a further hearing on November 28th.

'Sweet game'

The prosecutor, handling the case, detailed the defendant's actions to the judicial body.

She said his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a youth camp which he ran.

The defendant engaged in a "treat game" with the children, the legal counsel explained, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".

She informed the proceedings the defendant had played this game with the boys "for many years", and children had previously become sick the subsequent day.

She stated the man had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had worries in summer 2025.

Mrs Prior KC continued: "This year his stepchild had concerns about what was going on, with valid cause.

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

The legal counsel explained materials including lubricant, petroleum jelly and injection devices were discovered, and his stepchild notified the police about his concerns.

She explained Ruben proceeded to play the "treat game" with six children that evening - that Saturday - and they were all sick the subsequent day.

"Law enforcement" had not responded by that point," she stated further.

The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was investigating the police response of the situation.

The legal representative stated the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the family member contacted the authorities again.

She stated Ruben then engaged in the "sweet game" in a area of five children.