A man who laced treats with sleeping medication and gave them to minors at a summer camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two boys both nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight minors and one adult became sick at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he was present at the courthouse on recently.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The accused was remanded in custody prior to a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, outlined the criminal behavior to the court.
She explained his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a summer program which he ran.
The defendant conducted a "sweet game" with the children, the legal counsel explained, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had conducted this practice with the boys "for many years", and children had previously become sick the next day.
She explained the man had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had worries in summer 2025.
The prosecutor added: "Recently" his stepson had worries about what was going on, for good reason.
"They decided to examine in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor explained materials including lubricant, ointment and injection devices were found, and his family member contacted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She explained Ruben continued to engage in the "sweet game" with six children that time - that Saturday - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that time," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, previously told that it was examining law enforcement's management of the incident.
The legal representative explained the children were struggling to walk due to their condition, so the stepson notified the police once more.
She explained the defendant then played the "candy game" in a space of five children.
