A person who laced candy with sedative and distributed them to minors at a youth camp in the region has admitted sexual offenses against two boys aged nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight minors and a grown-up became sick at the location in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the judicial center on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit one particular crime he was charged with, which was concerning a young boy.
The accused was kept in jail prior to a subsequent court date on late November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, described the defendant's actions to the court.
She said his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a summer program which he managed.
The man engaged in a "sweet game" with the children, the prosecutor stated, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge Ruben had conducted this practice with the children "repeatedly", and children had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She said the man had been capable of justifying this for many years as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had concerns in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "This year his family member had suspicions about the activities, for good reason.
"They decided to investigate in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC stated objects including baby oil, ointment and syringes were found, and his stepchild notified the police about his suspicions.
She explained the man continued to engage in the "candy game" with six youngsters that evening - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"The police had not gone out by that point," she stated further.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was investigating the police response of the situation.
The legal representative said the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the family member notified the law enforcement a second time.
She stated the defendant then played the "treat game" in a area of five minors.
