An individual who contaminated sweets with tranquilliser and gave them to minors at a youth camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two young males who were between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight youngsters and a grown-up experienced illness at the facility in July.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the courthouse on recently.
Yet, he disputed a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody prior to a further hearing on 28 November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, detailed Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She stated his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a summer program which he managed.
Ruben conducted a "candy game" with the minors, the prosecutor stated, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She told the court the defendant had played this game with the children "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She explained Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had concerns in July 2025.
The legal representative added: "In the summer" his family member had worries about the activities, for good reason.
"They chose" to examine in the individual's items."
The legal counsel explained materials including baby oil, Vaseline and injection devices were discovered, and his stepchild alerted the police about his concerns.
She explained the defendant went on to play the "sweet game" with six children that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that point," she added.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was reviewing the police response of the situation.
The legal representative explained the children were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson notified the police once more.
She said Ruben then conducted the "treat game" in a room of five children.
