A person who contaminated candy with sedative and distributed them to children at a summer program in the area has confessed to sexual crimes against two young males aged nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight youngsters and an older person fell ill at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the judicial center on the end of the week.
Yet, he denied a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was against a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was held in detention ahead of a further hearing on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, detailed the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She explained his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a youth camp which he operated.
The defendant played a "treat game" with the children, the prosecutor said, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and request they to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had engaged in this activity with the children "repeatedly", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the next day.
She explained Ruben had been able to explain this over a long period as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had concerns in July 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "This year his stepson had worries about the activities, justifiably.
"They chose" to have a look in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor stated materials including infant oil, ointment and injection devices were found, and his stepchild contacted the police about his worries.
She said the defendant went on to engage in the "candy game" with six children that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that point," she continued.
The oversight body, the investigative body, previously told that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the situation.
Mrs Prior said the minors were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson contacted the police once more.
She stated the man then engaged in the "sweet game" in a room of five youngsters.
