An individual who spiked sweets with sleeping medication and provided them to youngsters at a summer camp in the region has confessed to sexual offences against two boys both nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight minors and a grown-up became sick at Stathern Lodge in July.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the courthouse on Friday.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
The accused was remanded in custody before a further hearing on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, outlined Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She stated his those affected were under-privileged children who were participating in a summer program which he managed.
Ruben played a "candy game" with the minors, the prosecutor stated, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to consume candy "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had conducted this practice with the young males "for many years", and youngsters had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She stated Ruben had been able to explain this for many years as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had worries in July 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "In the summer" his family member had worries about the activities, with valid cause.
"They chose" to investigate in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor stated materials including infant oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were located, and his family member contacted the police about his suspicions.
She stated Ruben went on to play the "sweet game" with six boys that time - July 26th - and they were all sick the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that time," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, had stated that it was investigating the police response of the situation.
The prosecutor explained the minors were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the family member contacted the authorities once more.
She stated the man then conducted the "treat game" in a area of five youngsters.
