A person who spiked candy with sleeping medication and distributed them to minors at a summer camp in the area has admitted sexual offences against two children aged nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight minors and one adult experienced illness at the facility in July.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he stood at the courthouse on the end of the week.
However, he denied one particular crime he was charged with, which was concerning a young boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody before a additional proceeding on late November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, handling the case, outlined Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She stated his targets were under-privileged children who were staying at a summer camp which he operated.
The man conducted a "treat game" with the minors, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would go into the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to eat sweets "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had conducted this practice with the children "over an extended period", and minors had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She explained the man had been able to explain this repeatedly as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had suspicions in summer 2025.
The legal representative added: "This year his family member had worries about the activities, justifiably.
"They chose" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC stated materials including infant oil, Vaseline and injection devices were discovered, and his family member notified the authorities about his suspicions.
She stated the defendant went on to conduct the "sweet game" with six boys that night - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that point," she added.
The oversight body, the investigative body, had stated that it was examining the police response of the events.
The legal representative stated the children were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson contacted the police again.
She stated the defendant then conducted the "candy game" in a area of five children.
