An individual who spiked sweets with sedative and gave them to youngsters at a summer program in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two young males aged nine and ten years old.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight minors and a grown-up became sick at Stathern Lodge in July.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he stood at the judicial center on recently.
However, he refused to admit one particular crime he was facing, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was remanded in custody before a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, detailed the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She explained his targets were under-privileged children who were attending a youth camp which he managed.
The defendant conducted a "treat game" with the children, the prosecutor explained, in which he would go into the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and request they to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had engaged in this activity with the boys "for many years", and minors had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She stated the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had concerns in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "Recently" his stepchild had suspicions about the situation, with valid cause.
"They chose" to have a look in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel stated items including lubricant, petroleum jelly and medical needles were found, and his family member notified the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She explained the defendant continued to conduct the "candy game" with six youngsters that evening - that Saturday - and they were all ill the next day.
"The police had not arrived by that stage," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, had stated that it was reviewing the police response of the events.
The prosecutor stated the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson notified the authorities a second time.
She stated the defendant then played the "sweet game" in a area of five minors.