A man who contaminated treats with tranquilliser and distributed them to children at a summer camp in the region has confessed to sexual offenses against two young males aged between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight youngsters and an older person fell ill at the location in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at the courthouse on the end of the week.
Yet, he denied a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was involving a young boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody prior to a further hearing on 28 November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, described the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She explained his targets were under-privileged children who were participating in a youth camp which he ran.
The defendant conducted a "sweet game" with the minors, the legal counsel stated, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to consume candy "rapidly".
She stated to the judge Ruben had conducted this practice with the boys "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously become sick the following morning.
She stated the man had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had worries in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "In the summer" his stepchild had concerns about the situation, justifiably.
"They resolved" to investigate in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC stated objects including baby oil, ointment and syringes were located, and his stepchild notified the authorities about his worries.
She stated the man proceeded to conduct the "sweet game" with six boys that night - that Saturday - and they were all sick the following morning.
"The police had not arrived by that point," she added.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the incident.
Mrs Prior explained the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so the stepson called the authorities a second time.
She explained Ruben then conducted the "sweet game" in a space of five minors.
