A man who contaminated sweets with tranquilliser and distributed them to minors at a youth camp in the area has admitted sexual crimes against two children aged nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight minors and an older person experienced illness at the location in July.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he was present at the judicial center on Friday.
Nevertheless, he disputed one particular crime he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was held in detention before a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, detailed the defendant's actions to the court.
She stated his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a summer program which he operated.
Ruben engaged in a "treat game" with the minors, the prosecutor stated, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She told the court the man had engaged in this activity with the boys "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the next day.
She explained Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had concerns in summer 2025.
The legal representative added: "In the summer" his stepchild had concerns about the situation, for good reason.
"They decided to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor said objects including baby oil, ointment and medical needles were located, and his family member notified the authorities about his concerns.
She said Ruben proceeded to engage in the "candy game" with six children that night - that Saturday - and they were all ill the following morning.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that stage," she added.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, previously told that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the incident.
The legal representative explained the children were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the stepson notified the authorities a second time.
She stated the defendant then played the "treat game" in a space of five minors.
