A person who contaminated candy with tranquilliser and provided them to children at a summer camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two children who were nine and ten years old.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight children and an older person fell ill at Stathern Lodge in July.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at the courthouse on the end of the week.
However, he denied one particular crime he was charged with, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The accused was held in detention before a subsequent court date on late November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, described the defendant's actions to the court.
She explained his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer camp which he ran.
Ruben conducted a "candy game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the man had engaged in this activity with the boys "repeatedly", and children had previously become sick the following morning.
She stated Ruben had been able to explain this over a long period as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had concerns in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "This year his stepchild had suspicions about the activities, justifiably.
"They decided to have a look in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC said objects including infant oil, Vaseline and injection devices were found, and his stepchild notified the law enforcement about his concerns.
She said the defendant continued to play the "treat game" with six boys that time - that Saturday - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"The police had not responded by that stage," she continued.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, had stated that it was examining the police response of the incident.
The legal representative said the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson called the authorities again.
She stated the defendant then engaged in the "sweet game" in a room of five minors.
