A person who contaminated treats with tranquilliser and provided them to minors at a youth camp in the region has admitted sexual crimes against two boys both nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight children and a grown-up fell ill at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at the courthouse on recently.
However, he refused to admit one particular crime he was charged with, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was held in detention prior to a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, described the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She said his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a youth camp which he operated.
The man conducted a "sweet game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would go into the boys' rooms 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 played this game with the young males "for many years", and minors had previously fallen ill the next day.
She explained the man had been able to explain this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had worries in July 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "Recently" his stepchild had worries about the activities, justifiably.
"They decided to investigate in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC explained materials including lubricant, ointment and injection devices were found, and his family member contacted the authorities about his suspicions.
She said the defendant went on to play the "candy game" with six youngsters that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that point," she stated further.
The oversight body, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was reviewing the police response of the situation.
The prosecutor said the children were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson contacted the police again.
She stated the man then conducted the "sweet game" in a space of five minors.
