An individual who contaminated candy with sleeping medication and provided them to children at a youth camp in the area has confessed to sexual offences against two boys aged nine and ten years old.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight youngsters and one adult fell ill at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at the courthouse on the end of the week.
Yet, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
The accused was held in detention before a further hearing on November 28th.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, detailed the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She explained his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a summer program which he operated.
The defendant engaged in a "sweet game" with the minors, the prosecutor stated, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had played this game with the children "for many years", and minors had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She said the man had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had worries in July 2025.
The prosecutor added: "In the summer" his family member had concerns about the activities, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to investigate in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel said materials including lubricant, Vaseline and syringes were located, and his family member contacted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She explained Ruben proceeded to engage in the "candy game" with six boys that time - July 26th - and they were all sick the next day.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that point," she continued.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, previously told that it was reviewing the police response of the situation.
The legal representative said the children were struggling to walk due to their condition, so the family member contacted the police once more.
She explained the man then conducted the "sweet game" in a area of five children.
