A man who laced sweets with sleeping medication and provided them to children at a youth camp in the region has confessed to sexual offenses against two children both between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight youngsters and an older person fell ill at the facility in July.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at the judicial center on Friday.
Yet, he disputed a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was held in detention prior to a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, outlined Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She stated his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer camp which he ran.
Ruben engaged in a "candy game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor said, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to ingest treats "rapidly".
She stated to the judge Ruben had played this game with the boys "repeatedly", and minors had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She said the man had been capable of justifying this for many years as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had suspicions in July 2025.
The legal representative continued: "This year his stepchild had concerns about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to have a look in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC explained materials including infant oil, Vaseline and injection devices were located, and his stepchild contacted the law enforcement about his worries.
She explained the defendant proceeded to conduct the "candy game" with six children that time - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that point," she stated further.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, had stated that it was examining the police response of the incident.
Mrs Prior said the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the stepson called the police again.
She explained Ruben then played the "candy game" in a space of five minors.
