A man who spiked treats with tranquilliser and provided them to children at a youth camp in the region has admitted sexual offenses against two boys aged nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight youngsters and a grown-up experienced illness at the facility in July.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at the courthouse on the end of the week.
However, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was against a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was remanded in custody ahead of a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, described the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She explained his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a summer camp which he managed.
Ruben engaged in a "sweet game" with the minors, the legal counsel said, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge the defendant had engaged in this activity with the boys "for many years", and minors had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She said Ruben had been able to explain this for many years as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had worries in summer 2025.
The legal representative continued: "This year his stepson had suspicions about the situation, justifiably.
"They resolved" to have a look in the individual's items."
The prosecutor explained materials including infant oil, Vaseline and syringes were located, and his stepchild contacted the authorities about his worries.
She explained the defendant proceeded to conduct the "treat game" with six boys that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that stage," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, previously told that it was examining the police response of the events.
The legal representative said the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the family member notified the police once more.
She stated Ruben then played the "candy game" in a space of five children.
