A man who contaminated sweets with tranquilliser and distributed them to minors at a summer camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two children who were nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight youngsters and an older person 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 stood at the courthouse on Friday.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was involving a young boy.
The defendant was kept in jail before a subsequent court date on late November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, described the criminal behavior to the court.
She explained his those affected were under-privileged children who were attending a summer program which he ran.
The man conducted a "sweet game" with the children, Mrs Prior said, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She told the court the defendant had engaged in this activity with the children "over an extended period", and minors had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She explained Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had concerns in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "This year his stepson had suspicions about the activities, with valid cause.
"They chose" to investigate in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC explained objects including infant oil, Vaseline and syringes were located, and his stepchild alerted the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She explained the man went on to engage in the "sweet game" with six children that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the following morning.
"The police had not gone out by that stage," she stated further.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was investigating the police response of the events.
Mrs Prior explained the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson notified the authorities a second time.
She stated the man then played the "candy game" in a space of five children.
