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A man who laced sweets with sedative and distributed them to children at a youth camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two children both between nine and ten.

The defendant was detained after eight children and a grown-up fell ill at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.

The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at the courthouse on Friday.

However, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old child.

Ruben was remanded in custody ahead of a further hearing on late November.

'Candy game'

Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, outlined the criminal behavior to the judicial body.

She explained his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer camp which he operated.

The defendant conducted a "treat game" with the children, the prosecutor explained, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and tell them to consume candy "as quickly as they can".

She stated to the judge the defendant had played this game with the children "for many years", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the following morning.

She said Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had concerns in recently.

Mrs Prior KC stated further: "This year his stepson had concerns about the activities, for good reason.

"They decided to have a look in the man's possessions."

The prosecutor explained objects including infant oil, Vaseline and syringes were discovered, and his stepson alerted the police about his suspicions.

She explained the defendant went on to engage in the "candy game" with six youngsters that night - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.

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

The oversight body, the police conduct office, had stated that it was examining the police response of the situation.

The legal representative said the youngsters were struggling to walk due to their condition, so the stepson contacted the police again.

She explained the defendant then conducted the "treat game" in a area of five youngsters.