An individual who spiked sweets with sedative and distributed them to youngsters at a youth camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two boys aged nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight children and a grown-up experienced illness at the facility in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at the judicial center on Friday.
However, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody prior to a further hearing on late November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, outlined the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She explained his victims were under-privileged children who were participating in a summer program which he operated.
The man played a "candy game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor said, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and tell them to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She told the court the defendant had engaged in this activity with the young males "for many years", and minors had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She explained the defendant had been able to explain this for many years as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had concerns in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "Recently" his family member had worries about what was going on, justifiably.
"They chose" to have a look in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC stated items including infant oil, ointment and medical needles were located, and his stepchild contacted the authorities about his suspicions.
She stated the defendant proceeded to play the "sweet game" with six youngsters that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the next day.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that stage," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, previously told that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the events.
The legal representative stated the children were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so the stepson notified the police again.
She stated the defendant then conducted the "sweet game" in a area of five youngsters.
