An individual who contaminated sweets with tranquilliser and distributed them to youngsters at a youth camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two boys who were between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight children and an older person experienced illness at the location in July.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at the judicial center on Friday.
Yet, he refused to admit one particular crime he was facing, which was against a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was kept in jail before a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, described the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She explained his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a summer program which he operated.
Ruben played a "candy game" with the minors, the legal counsel explained, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to eat sweets "rapidly".
She stated to the judge Ruben had conducted this practice with the children "for many years", and minors had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She said Ruben had been capable of justifying this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had suspicions in summer 2025.
The legal representative continued: "In the summer" his stepson had concerns about the situation, for good reason.
"They decided to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC explained materials including baby oil, ointment and medical needles were located, and his family member notified the authorities about his concerns.
She stated the man continued to engage in the "sweet game" with six boys that time - July 26th - and they were all ill the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that point," she continued.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, had stated that it was investigating the police response of the events.
Mrs Prior said the minors were struggling to walk due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson called the police once more.
She said the defendant then played the "sweet game" in a room of five youngsters.
