A person who contaminated candy with sleeping medication and distributed them to children at a youth camp in the region has admitted sexual crimes against two boys both between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight youngsters and one adult experienced illness at the location in July.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he was present at the courthouse on the end of the week.
However, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was kept in jail prior to a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, described the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She explained his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer program which he operated.
The man conducted a "sweet game" with the children, the legal counsel stated, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were settling down and tell them to eat sweets "rapidly".
She told the court the defendant had conducted this practice with the children "for many years", and minors had previously fallen ill the next day.
She said the man had been able to explain this for many years as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had worries in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "Recently" his family member had suspicions about the situation, justifiably.
"They decided to have a look in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC explained materials including lubricant, ointment and syringes were located, and his family member contacted the police about his worries.
She said the defendant proceeded to engage in the "candy game" with six boys that time - that Saturday - and they were all sick the following morning.
"The police had not gone out by that time," she continued.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was reviewing the police response of the events.
Mrs Prior said the minors were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the stepson called the police again.
She stated the man then engaged in the "treat game" in a space of five minors.
